Thunder is taped tonight from the UTC Arena, but 'The Professor' Mike Tenay and 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko are still ready to call all the non-live action! But we get no commentary intro or even an opening package because...

Hulk Hogan... ON THUNDER~!?
The broadcast starts in the backstage hallway... because Hulk Hogan... IS WALKING~! Yes, this is Thunder, and yes, Hulk Hogan is in the building. Wearing all of his red and yellow accessories, the American Made icon marches through the backstage with a purpose, growling to himself about wanting to kick Sting's ass. The Hulkster ignores a bunch of people who try to come up to talk to him/praise him, until Hogan finally grabs a random stagehand by the collar and pins him against the wall. "Where he is!? Where can I find Sting!? Where does he hide!?" Hogan screams at the hapless staff member, who of course knows nothing about Sting's whereabouts. He is able to squeak out that Sting is in the main event tonight though, which is enough for Hogan, who puts the stagehand down and pats him on the shoulder. Hogan then sternly tells the little guy, "Put this on notice, brother. Hulk Hogan's in the building... and he's comin' to kick Sting's ass!" Hogan then turns and marches on, wanting to find himself the Stinger... 91%

FILTHY ANIMALS versus WINDHAM BROTHERS (w/West Texas Rednecks)
The winner of this match will get to challenge Harlem Heat for the Tag Team Titles, the Animals having picked up four straight victories starting from Fall Brawl, while the Windhams had a huge upset last week on Thunder over The Revolution. With a title shot on the line, both teams come out fighting hard, the cowboys throwing all of their weight into their big clubbering blows, while the Animals have to be fast as hell to avoid the Rednecks. Curt Hennig, quickly turning into nothing more than a cheerleader for the Rednecks, gets involved early on by tripping up Mysterio as he runs off the ropes, allowing Barry Windham to use his knee to hit Mysterio with a face buster. The West Texas Rednecks then spend a lot of the match isolating Mysterio by using their size and frequent tags to keep Rey-Rey in the corner. Both stables have a posse, but the Animals are solo tonight; the Rednecks have everyone outside of the ring. This come in handy, as Vincent, the black cowboy, finally does something of note by distracting referee Billy Silverman when Mysterio starts to fight his way back into the match, allowing Barry Windham to illegally enter the ring hit a swinging neckbreaker. Mysterio, despite that bout of cheating from the Rednecks, is still able to overcome the near falls and isolation, sending Kendall Windham down with a snap hurricanrana off an Irish whip. That brings Billy Kidman into the match, and his high flying spots mow through the slow Windham Brothers. A tilt-a-whirl diving reverse DDT onto Barry looks to secure the win for the Animals, but outside interference comes from the Rednecks as Duncam and Vincent get on the apron, only for Mysterio to springboard off the second turnbuckle and knock both men down with an open-legged missile dropkick, one foot hitting a Redneck. From there, Kidman whips Barry off the ropes for the Rydeen Bomb, but Barry is hit with a big forearm! The First Family is on the scene! Brian Knobs hits Barry, and Hugh Morrus, Jerry Flynn, and The Barbarian all enter the ring and start to attack the Animals and Kendall Windham. The Barbarian and Flynn both hit big kicks on Kendall and Kidman, while Knobs gives Mysterio a Piledriver. Billy Kidman looks to try and fight the numbers on his own, only for The Barbarian to eat his lunch with a big savate kick, allowing Morrus to hit the No Laughing Matter moonsault to finish the quick beat down off. Hennig and the rest of the Rednecks must watch on in anger from the outside as Jimmy Hart obnoxiously celebrates with his "family". While Mike Tenay expresses his disgust in a good wrestling match being ruined by the First Family, Larry Zbyszko points out Jimmy Hart has sent a clear message - he wants the First Family to be getting Tag Title shots, not anyone else. 68%

Rawr, Sid! Scary~!
Backstage in a dark, creepy, dimly lit room is 'The Millennium Man' Sid Vicious. Sweat already perspiring all over his face in the eery close-up shot, the always angry and psychotic Sid is ready for one of those promos again. Whispering in a soft, yet somehow angry tone, Sid says that tonight he is facing not one, but two men in the ring... because people still aren't taking him seriously. "Eddy GUERRERO... you need to... take... me seriously!" Sid talks up the Lucha Libre history of Eddy Guerrero, and the fact that the Guerreros made their name in Mexico. "So did... Los Villanos. Eddy... WATCH CLOSELY! You and your little... luchadore... friends... are gonna FEEL MY PAIN! I've grown... tired... of you! You are standing... in my way... OF HISTORY! SID! SID! Siiiidddd... remember the name. Nobody.... will be better... than SID!" Sid reminds everyone of his impressive undefeated streak, and that he is the greatest wrestler in the history of the world. He then starts to go crazy... again. "MILLENNIUM MAN! UNDEFEATED STREAK! THE GREATEST!" Sid then laughs maniacally before finishing with, "Masterrrr... and Rulerrr... of... the World." 81%

JIM DUGGAN versus THE WALL (w/Berlyn)
The "World War" between America and Germany continues as Jim Duggan, proudly on his own tonight, faces off against Berlyn's Wall, who has black slacks and a white dress shirt on to wrestle in. He does, however, have the German flag as a tie. Duggan is shit in the ring, and Wall is green like a shamrock, so needless to say this match isn't pretty. There's a lot of really bad brawling throughout most of the match, with the action back and forth the whole way because well, it's just a lot of punching and kicking, with a few whips into the corner thrown in. The Wall has an advantage after a scoop slam, and later tries to wear the American Man down with a reverse chin lock after a quick isolation period. With the fans cheering him on, Duggan fights out of the hold before knocking Wall down with a double axe handle. A thumbs-up and a loud "Hoooooo" gets Duggan rolling, and an atomic drop sets The Wall up for the big three-point stance clothesline. Duggan finishes the match off with the Old Glory jumping knee drop, getting the victory while Berlyn looks on scowling, disgusted with the loss. Duggan tries to celebrate after the match, but Berlyn cheers himself up by entering the ring and hitting Duggan in the back with his cane! That doubles Duggan over, allowing Berlyn to apply an inverted facelock, and hit a corkscrew neckbreaker! That was new! Berlyn then watches on as The Wall avenges his loss by stomping down on Duggan, and the crowd looks on in disgust. They need a hero... and here one comes! Wearing the American Flag as a shirt comes a running Van Hammer! The tall blonde who hasn't had a purpose since The Flock dives into the ring and starts unloading big right hands on The Wall, knocking the bodyguard senseless and quickly sending the German contingent scurrying out of the ring! The crowd cheers as Hammer helps Duggan to his feet, the two men embracing as Tenay makes the logical conclusion that Hammer is the protege Duggan talked about on Monday Nitro. While Duggan plays to the crowd, Hammer stands on the ropes and challenges the Germans to come back for more. Berlyn simply scowls at what just happened. It is, uh... UNACCEPTABLE, he thinks (I think). 50%

Hulk Hogan Is Still Here... ON THUNDER~!?
Hulk Hogan's search for Sting continues - on Thunder!? - as the Hulkster prowls through the backstage, looking for the World Heavyweight Champion like a mad man. And Hogan looks the part, muttering phrases about "this has gone on long enough,"; "Sometimes, ya' just gotta do what needs to be done,"; and "I'll show Sting what it means to be black and white." Hmm, eye raiser, that comment. Hogan finds what he is looking for when he finds a locker room that has Sting's name on it - easy enough of a search, really. A smirk on his face, Hogan kicks down the door with bravado, charging into the locker room with fists raised. Hogan yells for Sting, but the silent Crow is nowhere to be found, much to Hogan's chagrin. However, a consolation prize comes out of the bathroom in 'The Total Package' Lex Luger. Luger has no idea someone is in the locker room (despite the yelling), and turns right into a huge Hogan right hand! Hogan knocks Luger into a locker with a spree of right hands, allowing the Hulkster to then savagely kick Luger until he's essentially non-responsive. With The Package laid out, Hogan stands over him, yelling that this is a message for Sting, a promise of what is to come. Hogan then walks out, still looking amped and angry at not finding Sting, with Mike Tenay saying that this is something he would expect of Hollywood Hogan, not Hulk Hogan, which Zbyzszko says may just be exactly what Sting wants.... but nobody knows because Sting isn't talking!

MIKE ENOS versus NORMAN SMILEY
The wrestling action continues with Nor-mahn Smi-lay making an in-ring appearance to battle 'Mean' Mike Enos. Despite his good size, Enos is mere enhancement talent, the former Destruction Crew member on the back foot often as Smiley controls most of the match, hitting some stinging jabs and a DDT. While Enos is able to get some offense in, Smiley ends it quickly when he telegraphs a back body drop with a hard kick to Enos' face and chest. It keeps Enos doubled over, allowing Smiley to get behind him and perform his Smack My Bitch Up Dance, which really looks like something Lenny or Lodi should be performing. The Smiley Spank gets a big pop, and after a belly-to-back suplex, the Britishman applies the Norman Conquest (Crossface Chickenwing) submission, the end result being Enos tapping out to the submission. Smiley celebrates with a Big Wiggle after the match, only to eat a big kick to the back of the head... by ruby red shoes! Oh goodness, that's Ernest 'The Cat' Miller! Miller rocks Smiley senseless with the Feliner, and as Sonny Onoo laughs, The Cat starts performing some Cat-Bo dances over the fallen Smiley. Tenay finds it disgusting, while Zbyszko pulls a Heenan when he says, "I think Onoo better call The Cat's momma, because he's letting Smiley know whose the greatest!" 60%

Revolution's Evolution... Away From The Revolution??
Thunder goes backstage again into the locker rooms, but this time it is 'The Ice Man' Dean Malenko and 'Crippler' Chris Benoit in the locker room of The Revolution talking over Malenko's big non-title match tonight against Sting. The drama enters in the form of 'The Franchise' Shane Douglas, and his arrival sparks icy glares between Benoit and himself. After a shoving match on Nitro and almost coming to blows, there is certainly a lot of tension in the air between the two men. While Shane fumbles over his words in a feeble attempt to apologize to both men for what happened on Monday Nitro, Malenko cuts him off, making it very clear when he says he wants nothing to do with Douglas tonight. "I have a big match against Sting tonight, and truth be told, I just want to go out there and wrestle... drama free. No soap opera, no interference, no drama. Just me, and Sting, and a wrestling ring." Benoit says practically the same thing, but for Monday Nitro as well. "When I wrestle Bret Hart on Nitro, the same can be said, Shane. I don't want your hate-affair with Ric Flair to come in the way of what Monday means to me, Bret, or the entire Hart family. You understand me?" Douglas simply nods his head, although Benoit takes it one step further when he says he wants Douglas to stay clear of Flair altogether on Monday. Malenko backs it up by saying if Douglas cares about them and The Revolution, he'll listen. With an awkward silence following the words of Malenko and Benoit, Douglas is essentially forced to leave the room then by the two ignoring The Franchise from there on out. Douglas leaves the locker room, only to then walk into Perry Saturn. Needing to blow off steam, Douglas rants to Saturn about Malenko and Benoit not getting that Flair is playing them. "Ric Flair cares only about himself, not anyone else! They are letting Flair drive a wedge right in between us all... because he knows The Revolution is a threat to his spot!" Saturn, not much of a talker, takes a pause, analyzing the situation. "Ya' know, man, I like you, Shane," Saturn says, "But this whole thing has to end. I get that you think you mean well, your whole business with Flair, but you are letting your own ambition and feelings distract us all from our collective purpose. If you want there to be a Revolution, then you need to get all this resolved... soon." Saturn then pats his friend on the shoulder before walking away, leaving Douglas in a familiar position as of late... all alone. 76%

SID VICIOUS versus LOS VILLANOS
Sid made a promise to defeat Los Villanos tonight to send a message to Eddy Guerrero, and well, Sid does just that. The Millennium Man wastes no time plowing through the two Luchadores, knocking them down with right hands and miscellaneous throws. It's a great chance for the commentators to talk up Sid, as well as Eddy Guerrero, who Tenay somewhat inaccurately claims is the first man to stand up and truly challenge Sid. How about Sting or Nash from the summer? Oh, Sid wins with Big Boots, Chokeslams, and Powerbombs, pinning both men to take his win total up two numbers higher. 46%

Who Betta Than Me!?
"WHO BETTA DAN KANYON~!?" Those words bring out arguably the most obnoxious man in World Championship Wrestling... you guessed it, Chris Kanyon. The Diamond Dallas Page flunky is without the New Jersey Triad as he comes out with an arrogant smirk on his face. Once in the ring, Kanyon takes a microphone, and of course asks the crowd... "WHO BETTA DAN KANYON~!?" Norfolk, Virginia thinks... "EVERYBODY!" While Kanyon scowls, he seems to care not about what the people of Norfolk have to say about him. "Imma make this real sweet, simple, and to the point! GOLDBERG!" That alone gets a big pop from the crowd, prompting a mini-temper tantrum from Kanyon. Page's lackey says that he is tired of people treating Goldberg like the greatest thing in WCW because of three simple reasons - "Goldberg ain't betta than Kanyon! Hahaha! Goldberg... ain't betta than the Triad! And Goldberg ain't betta... than mah boy, mah best friend... D..D..P!" While the crowd furiously disapproves, a grinning Kanyon continues. "Yo' Scumberg," he says sounding just like Page, "I'm challengin' you, right here... right now! C'mon, big man! Come out here and get ya' butt whooped by Kanyon, bay-bay!" Kanyon dramatically poses while the crowd waits for Goldberg to come out, but he never does. After ten seconds, a grinning Kanyon proceeds to run down and insult Goldberg repeatedly, getting the crowd all over Kanyon. The Jersey boy finally says, "Goldberg ain't even fit ta' lick the dirt off of DDP's boots, Virginia!" That line is of importance because as Kanyon finishes it, 'Invasion' fills the arena, bringing out Goldberg! Not dressed to wrestle, Goldberg sprints down the aisle in jeans and one of his own custom t-shirts, diving into the ring, ready to pounce. As Goldberg smirks in anticipation of what he is going to do to Kanyon, the latter screams like a little girl before diving out of the ring! Kanyon jumps through the ropes and runs up the aisle, still screaming like a girl, his arms raised in the air like he was Kevin McAllister in Home Alone. What a reference, folks! With the screaming girl out of the ringside area, Goldberg takes a few moments to play to the fans and milk the crowd, much to their delight. 79%

ERNEST MILLER (w/Sonny Onoo) versus KONNAN
The Cat is feeling in a great mood after his little one-up over Norman Smiley earlier in the night, but his good-vibes are nothing compared to Konnan as he returns to in-ring action. K-Dawg has the fans behind his back the whole way as his rapping theme gets them going early on, and the crows cheers each and every punch that Konnan throws out at Miller. While The Cat is able to put up a good fight for Konnan, the action is relatively one-sided for most of the match as the fired up K-Dawg stinging rights and lefts are more than a match for Miller's martial arts skills. The Cat is forced to take several time-outs outside of the ring from Konnan's offense, with the crowd's support of the Filthy Animal only infuriating The Cat even more. With Miller trying to battle Konnan and the crowd, the match becomes even easier for K-Dawg, catching The Cat off guard, allowing him to land a big fall away slam. A rolling clothesline from Konnan has the match all but finished as K-Dawg tries to go all X-Pac with a K-Factor, when the lights dim to a near darkness. With everyone confused as can be, grey lights flash throughout the arena through the dark, and the same starts happening on the Turner Tron above the entrance curtain and set-up. As the scene takes a step towards the creepier, an evil, high-pitched laugh, almost that of a cackle, blares throughout the arena. Then, for the briefest moment, a face flashes on the screen, and while there is a lot of white on the Tron, it is impossible to tell who it is. The creepiness stops as soon as it came, the lights returning to normal. During this awkward period, Konnan released The Cat, and just stares dumbfounded at the Turner Tron. Bad news for him, as when he turns back around to face The Cat, he walks right into a Feliner! Jumping onto Konnan for a pin, Ernest Miller steals the victory away from Konnan out of nowhere! Unable to believe his luck, The Cat doesn't stay in the ring long after the match, celebrating with Onoo up the aisle and to the back, perhaps also creeped out by what happened with the lights and the voice. In the ring, Konnan slowly pulls himself up to his knees, trying to regain his bearings after the kick from The Cat. He then becomes spooked again as that evil cackle again blares throughout The Scope, leaving everyone wondering... "what in the hell just happened!?" - Mike Tenay. 65%

Why Are All These Stars on Thunder!?
If this Thunder hasn't been bizarre enough, we get even more confusion as the show cuts away to a pre-taped segment before tonight's main event. Two men dressed in suits stand just outside the offices of World Championship Wrestling in Atlanta, Georgia, holding signs and a megaphone. A close-up reveals the two men to be... The Outsiders!? Scott Hall, a toothpick protruding from his mouth, holds a sign with one hand that says, 'Free The Outsiders!' while his other hand is holding a small aluminum tin to collect money from people. Uh, what? Kevin Nash speaks through the megaphone the whole time, at first just yelling the word "censor" repeatedly. Big Sexy then says that The Outsiders are being censored by WCW, denied access to any events unless they purchase tickets like simpletons. "I'm a retired man, people! You, right there! You're old; you must be retired! Do you have any health benefits, a pension? Well I don't! WCW doesn't care about The Outsiders! We get nothing!" The antics of The Outsiders draws a crowd, although the old man Nash was talking to has walked away, probably insulted by Nash. With people crowding around the two men, some people even put dollar bills and change into the tin Hall is holding out, with a better close-up revealing the tin is decorated with the words 'Outsiders Retirement Fund'. As security comes out of WCW Headquarters, Nash quickly says, "People of Hotlanta! All we want is our jobs back! Let The Outsiders return to WCW! Do not let the suits of corporate America deny us any longer!" Nash and Hall then quickly take their props and flee the area before security can get a hold of them, with Hall snatching the megaphone and yelling, "Yo, people! FREE DA' OUTSIDA'S!" The segment then ends, the camera fading out as The Outsiders continue to jog away from WCW security. 91%

DEAN MALENKO versus STING
Even though the main event is a non-title affair, Malenko jumps into the contest with a lot of enthusiasm, bringing his A-game to Sting throughout the match. The Man of 1,000 Holds naturally is able to best Sting in chain wrestling sequences in the opening moments, although the two provide solid back and forth action. The action remains pretty even as the two men start to trade strikes then, as well as sprinkling in some simple maneuvers. Knowing the talents of the two, the main event seems like it will get a good amount of time too. While Sting is able to gain an upper hand as the match wears on - back body dropping Malenko over to counter a chickenwing powerbomb attempt - it is apparent that Malenko is able to almost stay on the same foot as the World Heavyweight Champion without any Revolution business distracting him. Sting gets a little advantage period after the back body drop, adopting a slow, methodical approach on his opponent, stinging (no pun intended) the Ice Man with heavy strikes and constant pressure so Malenko can't even think of a way to counter the Champion's offense. Malenko does find an opening though when Sting goes for a Stinger Splash in the corner, the Champion finding turnbuckles as Malenko rolls out of the way. Malenko quickly spikes Sting with a bridging German suplex for two, solidifying his advantage. The Ice Man mixes submissions with suplexes, getting another near fall with a chickenwing suplex, and then applying a STF submission that causes a fair amount of damage to Sting before the Champ reaches the ropes. Believing in himself, Malenko continues to up his game, hitting quick jabs to the painted man before scooping him up onto his shoulder's to hit his signature gut buster. Trying to smash Sting onto his knee, Malenko flings Sting forward, but the Champ shows great agility by landing on his feet before hitting a quick jawbreaker to daze the Ice Man. It knocks Malenko back into the ropes, and the Stinger quickly pounces with a one-handed bulldog! Having downed his opponent, Sting blankly stares over Malenko before slowly pulling him up to his feet by the neck. Scorpion Death Drop time...

...HE'S AMERICAN MADE~! The greatest terrible rip-off ever brings out the one and only Hulk Hogan, and he marches down the aisle with that finger of his waving right at Sting. Sting made it clear on Nitro through his actions that he wanted to end the career of Hulk Hogan, and now here comes Hogan's response. The Champ releases Malenko, preparing for Hogan to enter the ring and square off. The Hulkster climbs up the steps and gets onto the apron... and Malenko rolls Sting up from behind with a school boy! One! Two! Three! Malenko capitalizes on the distraction, and he's just defeated the World Heavyweight Champion!

Sting kicks out a fraction too late, and Malenko rolls out of the ring to celebrate his non-title victory... 'cause lets face it, the drama is all about Hogan versus Sting. Despite the loss, Sting shows no signs of frustration or anger, instead getting up to his feet and staring down the Hulkster. A stagehand tosses a mic to Hogan, and then he enters the ring. With all of the crowd able to hear him, Hogan says that on Nitro, the Stinger made it clear that he wanted to end Hulkamania. "Well brother, I'm still standin'! Now lemme just say this: I would try and appeal to your heart, Stinger - I would try and get you to explain yourself... but that ain't gonna happen, is it?" Hogan stares down Sting, who remains emotionless. It doesn't faze Hogan. "That's exactly what I thought. So here's how it is gonna be, jack! Since you ain't gonna explain yourself for what you've done to me over the past month, well, Hulk Hogan's done usin' words too then, brother." And with that said, Hogan swings a big right hand at Sting! The two icons start exchanging a flurry of blows! It's on~! And on Thunder~! Hogan and Sting, Sting and Hogan, back and forth, forth and back with big right hands, each man knocked back only to swing again with renewed vigor. Sting, and all of his new found darkness, hits a huge uppercut that knocks Hogan back into the ropes... but Hogan rebounds right off the ropes with an even harder right hand! It's Sting! Sting is staggering, teetering, and Hogan hits another big right hand! Hogan starts throwing in left jabs too, and he knocks Sting into the ropes! The crowd is in a frenzy for Hogan, and the Hulkster goes in for a big clothesline... but Sting escapes! The Champion back flips him over the ropes (with the help of the ropes, of course), landing on his feet on the outside, leaving Hogan to hit nothing but air. The crowd boos as the Stinger walks away from the fight, slowly back tracking up the aisle as Hogan demands for his return for more of a fight. Emotionless as always, Sting simply walks backwards, staring down Hogan, who will be leaving tonight a man who ultimately failed to get what he wanted: kick Sting's ass. Tenay and Zbyszko quickly shill Nitro - "because there just has to be more Sting versus Hogan on Monday, folks!" - as Thunder fades out to a close. 70%

Quote:

SATURDAY NIGHT RESULTS:

Blitzkrieg & Kaz Hayashi nc. Los Villanos. Sid Vicious interrupted the match, took out all four combatants, and pinned them all, spiking his record to 95-0.

Obviously I haven't seen any of your other work, but from what I've seen thus far regarding this new BTB, it's incredible. This time period of WCW wasn't my favorite, it was the beginning of the end and WCW slowly transitioned away from the showcasing the Cruiserweights to just the most ridiculous things you could ever see.

I look forward to seeing your take on this time period and how you plan on saving this company from being ruined. The Sid Vicious thing is quite hilarious to me at the moment, just the complete over-hyping of him, destroying everyone in front of him. But, I do hope someone comes by and destroys him at some point, possibly Goldberg.

The one thing I want to see more of is cruiserweight action, take it back to the mid-90's, just action packed and a deep cruiserweight division. And take El Dandy off the Nobodies list!

Tony Schiavone and Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan welcome you all to Monday Nitro, LIVE from the Kemper Arena in Kansas City. Schiavone quickly talks about tonight being not about wrestling, or sports entertainment, but the legacy and memory of Owen Hart. Schiavone gravely reminds viewers that in May of this year, Owen tragically died in this arena, and tonight, his brother Bret will make his return to the squared circle in an exhibition match against Hart Dungeon graduate and family friend of Owen and the Hart Family, Chris Benoit, with the match being dedicated to the legacy of Owen Hart. After talk about the main event and all of that comes with it, The Brain admits the show must go on, and that it will because....

Black, Black and Blue, and the Redand Yellow
He's Amerrrricaann Maaade~! Yet again Monday Nitro starts off with the greatest wrestler EVER in Hulk Hogan coming down to the ring for some quality time with 'Mean' Gene Okerlund. After spending ample time playing to the crowd, Hogan lets Gene Okerlund fire away - and he wants to know about Thunder, when Hulk Hogan took out Lex Luger, cost Sting a match against Dean Malenko, and sent a pretty clear message he was equal to Sting's challenge. "Well ya' know somethin', Mean Gene" Hogan begins in stereotypical fashion. "Hulk Hogan has gotten tired of waitin' on Sting to talk! Hulk Hogan and all of his Hulkamaniacs, we all hoped that what happened at Hall Brawl was a farce - that Sting was being played by Flexy Lexy Luger. Well Gene, I think we saw last week that this is the real Sting... and Sting wants to end Hulk Hogan's career, brother!" Hogan talks up that he waited and hoped for an explanation for Sting double-crossing him at Fall Brawl, but it clearly isn't going to happen. Hogan also points out that Luger and Sting tried to discredit Hogan leading up to Fall Brawl, but the only liar and backstabber is Sting. Hogan again plays up the return of the red and yellow - "I'm never gonna turn my back on all my Hulkamaniacs again, Gene!" Okerlund, always a fan boy, agrees and hypes up Hogan and all of his accolades before pointing out that while Hogan has moved past the nWo and the black and white, Sting has embraced those colors. "Mean Gene, Sting has proven he's got a black heart, but that ain't all, jack! 'Cause he's about to get a black and blue ass... from a red and yellow whoopin', brother!" Hogan stresses he is done trying to talk and make peace with Sting, and that along with Luger, he has truly turned to the dark side. Okerlund reminds Hulk Hogan and all that Sting symbolized last week that he wanted to end Hulk Hogan's career, but Hogan says Hulkamania will NEVER die! Going one further, Hogan then challenges Sting to try and end Hogan's career, 'cause all that will happen is Hulk Hogan kicking Sting's ass and regain the World Heavyweight Championship. Hogan tries to continue his interview, but the sounds of a crow screeching plays over the sound system!

After confusion, a spotlight focuses on the rafters, and there stands Sting... with a crow on his shoulder! After a few moments, the crow takes flight, flying all the way down to the ring, perching himself on the top rope. Hulk Hogan looks spooked as hell, but it gets worse as Gene Okerlund spots a note on the leg of the crow. He reads it out, "You are the only farce, Hogan. The games have begun." The crowd is confused, and so is Hogan, but he's also scared. "What in the hell does this mean!? What game!? What is he talking about!" Hogan keeps asking Okerlund about this, and then reads the note himself, hoping it will somehow provide him with more answers. Hulk Hogan then looks back up to the rafters, needing to confront Sting on this mysterious message... but the Stinger has already vanished. With Tony Schiavone selling how scared Hulk Hogan looks right now, Nitro cuts to a break, Hogan's initial confidence fully replaced by fear and doubt. [100%]

WCW TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: RICK STEINER (c) versus CHAVO GUERRERO JR.
Despite being on the losing end of matches lately, Chavo's heart and impressive performances have earn him a TV Title shot. That also means quickly becoming the punching bag for Rick Steiner and his plethora of stiff strikes. Heenan cynically points out that this means Guerrero is going to be bullied even more tonight, citing the assault Buff Bagwell received last week at the hands of the Dog Faced Gremlin. Steiner's no nonsense bad-ass style yields results early on - an ass kicking for Guerrero. The youngest wrestler of the Guerrero family sells the fierce strikes like a champion, Steiner's strikes alone quickly creating near falls. Resilient and quick, Chavo turns the tides out of nowhere when he rolls out of the corner to evade a running avalanche. Chavo then gets onto the apron, springboards off the ropes, and hits a missile dropkick! One! Two! Th- Kick Out! Using his agility and speed, Chavito scores offense on the Champ, only for the DFG to crush Chavo off a springboard attempt with a hellacious Steinerline! Cover, but a shoulder up just before three.

The move still takes the wind out of Guerrero's sails, and Steiner again controls the match, beating Chavo senseless and dropping him on his neck several times with rough suplexes. The DFG tries to win with a camel clutch submission, and almost does, but Chavo is somehow able to escape the submission hold after a few moments. With Guerrero on the cusp of defeat, Steiner climbs to the second turnbuckle and goes for his finishing Steiner Bulldog. The DFG jumps, but eats a back elbow! Having already dazed Steiner, Chavo quickly downs him with a swinging neckbreaker, turning the match around. However, before Guerrero can look to try and gather any more momentum and possibly win the TV Title, a Big Boot from nowhere crushes him! It's Sid! God dammit, all the time! Sid Vicious picks Chavo up and Chokeslams him, and the referee, of course 'Lil Naitch' Charles Robinson, counts the pin fall for Sid to push him up to 96-0. Officially, Chavo will win by disqualification and Steiner will keep the belt, but that matters naught to Sid. Steiner gets up to his feet, and the two men then put the boots to the downed Guerrero, Schiavone reminding fans that the two men have had a loose alliance together over the past several months, so Steiner will have no problem with Sid coming out here. The Filthy Animals, mainly Eddy Guerrero, do have a problem with the proceedings, and out comes the whole gang to Chavo's rescue! Eddy leads the charge, and much like before, Sid doesn't want to try and take on the whole group, so he and Steiner bail just as the Animals enter the ring. While the Animals tend to Chavo, Eddy has snapped, cracking after week of seeing his nephew bullied and pushed around by Sid. Eddy kicks the ropes in anger, and leaning over the ropes, demands that Sid comes back to the ring and fight him again. Sid simply grins as he and Steiner back-walk up the aisle, with Schiavone pointing out the obvious when he says things are not over yet between Eddy Guerrero and the "undefeated" Sid Vicious. [71%]

Complicating the Tag Scene
Stepping away from the ring to the backstage is 'Mean' Gene Okerlund, and he announces the fact that he is joined by Jimmy Hart and the First Family. Okerlund talks up the Family having set their sights on the Tag Titles, recapping their attacks on the Champions, interferences in matches, including Thunder when they cost the Filthy Animals and West Texas Rednecks a chance to become #1 contenders. "Isn't it obvious?" Hart asks him. "My First Family deserves to be Tag Team Champions!" Hart shills his own team of Morrus and Knobs, reminding everyone that Hugh Morrus beat Stevie Ray last week on Nitro, yet get snubbed for the #1 contender's match. Hart points out that the Family and the Rednecks have defeated The Revolution over the past month, but the Rednecks have lost TWICE to Harlem Heat, yet they were deemed worthy of a title shot opportunity. "Its a disgrace, Gene! The First Family is the real deal, and we need to be treated as the legitimate threat that we are." The proceedings are interrupted by the West Texas Rednecks, with Curt Hennig saying the First Family made a grave error on Thunder by attacking them. "You got in our way of the gold, boy," Hennig says. "You oughta not do that again... if ya' know what's good for you." Sensing a challenge, the First Family goons step up next to Hart to show their presence, but Hennig says they're not looking to fight them, they only want Harlem Heat. Jimmy Hart, however, says the Rednecks' time has come and gone, and the Family is now the rightful contenders. The West Texas Rednecks share a laugh, and Hennig says, "We'll see about that," before they turn and walk away, leaving the First Family looking sour as the show cuts to a break. [65%]

EVAN KARAGIAS versus JUVENTUD GUERRERA
Having almost won the Cruiserweight Title a few weeks ago, Karagias knows how badly he needs a win tonight to stay in the hunt for the gold. His opponent is quite the experienced Luchadore however, and the youngster quickly finds himself on the back foot as Juventud scores early with quick attacks, the energy high and fast. After both men fly around the ring in a chaotic opening period, The Juice hits a swinging hurricanrana to down Karagias, paving way for Guerrera to apply some Lucha-influenced ground works. Juvi controls from there on out, leading to Guerrera becoming over confident; Juvi toys with the young man from North Carolina, slapping him over the head and making cocky pin covers. Juvi's cockiness hurts him, as he takes way too long climbing to the top turnbuckle - and playing to the anti-Juice crowd - resulting in Juvi missing a big 450 Splash! Karagias grabs some offense afterwards, the highlight coming through a slingshot springboard into a swinging DDT. Karagias then accidentally bumps the ref to the canvas with an errant Irish whip, which leads to the arrival of the skipping and hand-holding Lenny and Lodi.

Seeing the opportunity to cheat, The Juice does just that with a low blow to the rookie to regain the advantage. Lenny - who has had issues with Karagias over the past few weeks after almost losing his Cruiserweight Title to him on an episode of Nitro - takes off his Title Belt and wields it like a weapon as he gets onto the apron. Understanding the non-verbal plan, Guerrera places Karagias in a waist lock and runs to Lenny, who swings away... and hits Juventud with the belt! Karagias ducks, Lenny plasters Guerrera, and Karagias quickly rolls his opponent into a pinning combination, just as referee Scott Dickenson recovers. One! Two! Three! Karagias scores another upset victory! Wanting to live to celebrate his win, however, Karagias immediately dives out of the ring and scurries up the entrance aisle after the match, not wanting to face off against a multi-man beat down. Both members of the West Hollywood Blondes enter the ring, Lodi trying to console his "brother" after his botched interference. One man who wants nothing to do with the "brothers" is Juventud Guerrera. After recovering from the belt shot, Guerrera yells in Spanish at the two men before storming off, furious that they cost him the match. From the top of the entrance, Karagias can only smirk in delight, knowing he has humiliated the Cruiserweight Champion, and earned a victory to solidify his status as a threat in the cruiserweight division. [63%]

The End Has Come
Business is about to pick up in the Kemper Arena as the theme music of The Revolution hits, although the man who comes out from the back is on the outs of the group, to say the least. It is, of course, 'The Franchise' Shane Douglas. He enters the ring to heavy jeers from the crowd, having made himself an enemy with all for his remarks toward Ric Flair. The Franchise grabs a microphone, and addresses the booing crowd. "Apparently I have been told by my friends to stay in the back for tonight, let Chris Benoit have his night tonight. Well Chris, I love ya', I respect your wishes... but there is something I need to come out here and say tonight... and sorry, Chris, but it's about him, Dick Flair." Immediately the crowd boos, but Douglas says he cannot just leave this alone. Douglas says he came to World Championship Wrestling to be a new leader in the company, a star above the old guard. "The Revolution was supposed to be the EVOLUTION of this company... and it has all come to a halt because of Ric frickin' Flair!" Douglas says that Flair is pushing and pulling The Revolution apart, and he cannot stand by as Flair screws him over, again. The Franchise blames Flair for purposely coming between The Revolution and Douglas, trying to drive a wedge in between the group because Flair understands the threat that Douglas has represented to his spot, his power. "I am tired of everyone getting down on their knees and bowing to the 'almighty' Ric Flair! The Nature Boy ain't nothin'! You people all cheer Flair, treat him as your effin' God! Well allow me to pull the wool from over your eyes! Ric Flair ain't *shit*! Ric Flair cares only about himself! You hear that, Chris!? You hear that, Dean!? Ric Flair does not care about either of you, The Revolution, NOTHIN' BUT HIMSELF!"

The Revolution music hits again, startling Douglas, who wasn't expecting that. 'The Iceman' Dean Malenko comes out from the back, looking very irritated with his compatriot. He has his music cut off as he walks down the aisle, and immediately gets stern, telling Douglas to just knock it off. "Shane, I've grown tired of this. You are jealous, blind with your on childish anger about Ric Flair. Let it go!" Malenko lets Douglas know how disappointed he is with his friend for coming out here tonight, as he and Chris specifically asked him to stay clear and let this night be about Chris, Bret Hart, and the Hart Family... not The Revolution, Ric Flair, and more importantly, Shane Douglas. "But you, Shane, you just HAD to have the spotlight. I don't really think you care about The Revolution anymore, Shane. If you wanted The Revolution to be the success it is meant to be, you would have just stayed in the back. You would have shut your mouth! You would have just let things go! But you can't! Because Shane Douglas is the egomaniacal son of a bitch, NOT RIC FLAIR! YOU! YOU SHANE, YOU!" Spit flies from Malenko's mouth as he finishes yelling, snapping at his friend for Douglas' own arrogance and greed. There is an intense stare down between the two, but before Shane Douglas can respond, three becomes a party as Perry Saturn comes marching out from the back just shaking his head. Saturn enters the ring and gets in between the two, grabbing another microphone and saying that this petty war is solving nothing. Saturn re-iterates the comment that The Revolution as meant to be the evolution of WCW, but the group is falling apart at the seams. Saturn points the blame, too. "Shane, you were supposed to be the leader, the man to help bring it all together," he says, "and you have failed us. You have not shown yourself to be the leader you made yourself out to be. You, you have caused our downfall." Douglas looks as if Saturn slapped him in the face, shocked by Saturn essentially turning on him, as Saturn was the one member of The Revolution who leaned towards Douglas the most during this split.

As if the segment need any more people, "Also Sprach Zarathustra" hits the speakers, and of course Kansas City is all cheers as 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair comes out from the back, along with his best friend, Arn Anderson. There is no styling, no profiling, no swagger from Flair as he solemnly walks down the aisle and into the ring. As he does so, he holds up his hands, almost as if to try and apologize for what is transpiring. When Flair enters the ring, he essentially says just that, saying that he doesn't like Shane, but he isn't trying to come in between The Revolution, or break apart the group. "But Shane Douglas, there is still something I gotta say," Flair says. "You are only using The Revolution and their talents for your own gain! And that, that SICKENS ME!" Flair says he wants Benoit, Malenko, and Saturn to be the stars that they are destined to be in this sport, "but you, Shane Douglas, you only care about yourself!" Douglas of course retaliates back by saying Flair is simply saying everyone Douglas has said about him, and that is is a feeble attempt to save face. The two men go back and forth with verbal spatting, with both men try to discredit the others character in front of Malenko and Saturn. It all reaches a boiling point as Douglas snaps, saying that the time has come for The Revolution to choose. "Dick Flair, we can go back and forth all night - 'cause trust me, I have a lot to say about how much of an asshole and selfish prick you truly are - but it'll mean nothing if I stand alone. So Dean, Perry, and Chris Benoit too - sorry, Chris, but this can't go on any longer - it is time to choose a side. You are either with me... or against me."

The drama nears a climax as now Chris Benoit is coming out! The Crippler, who has a huge match tonight against Bret Hart, is forced to come out and get involved in the fiasco, despite having every intention of focusing only on his match tonight. Benoit, looking very pissed off, says that tonight is about Owen Hart and the Hart Family, and nothing else. In a bold move, The Franchise says, "No! I have played second fiddle for far too long now! I will be denied... no more!" Benoit looks irate that Douglas is essentially spitting on the Hart name, but Douglas won't let him talk, continuing his irate rampage. "I will not let ANYONE stand in my way, Chris! No one! So choose! Me or Flair!" Douglas then turns his attention towards Malenko, cockily saying that he knows Malenko cannot choose, leading to Franchise calling him a coward and a backstabbing sheep. This leads to Ric Flair chiming back in, trying to defend Malenko, while also adding that if Douglas wanted Malenko to be on his side, he wouldn't be running his mouth. Douglas snaps again, yelling at Flair, "Why don't you just shut your mouth already, Flair! Shut your mouth, have another heart attack, and GO DIE~!" The crowd is stunned silent by Douglas' outlandish remark, and Arn Anderson's mouth is actually agape by the comment. Flair starts shaking with rage, his fists clenched, wanting nothing more than to hit Douglas. The Franchise has totally flipped his lid, and tries to goad Flair into doing just that. "Hit me! C'mon and hit me! HIT ME!"

RIGHT HOOK TO DOUGLAS!

Chris Benoit decks Douglas with a huge right hand, and the crowd goes crazy as Douglas drops like a sack of bricks to the canvas! The Franchise rolls to the outside on instinct, clutching his jaw and looking shocked at what just happened. He never saw Benoit decking him, but The Crippler has had enough of Douglas' antics and comments about one of his idols, and Chris Benoit has just knocked him senseless! Benoit, a very serious look on his face, slowly turns and faces his other Revolutionaries, Malenko and Saturn, and both of them just nod their head in solemn agreement - what's done is done, and it was needed. Benoit then turns to Ric Flair, who is smiling at this point. The Nature Boy extends a hand to Benoit, who accepts it! The two shake hands and embrace in a hug, and Flair and Malenko do the same thing. Saturn gets a handshake from Flair and Anderson, and then, in a wonderful moment, Arn Anderson ends the segment on a high note - as Douglas back tracks up the aisle, looking on in rage and horror...

...Anderson salutes the group in the ring with the four fingers of the Horsemen, drawing a huge ovation from the crowd... and four fingers from the other four men in the ring! [77%]

Prepare
When Nitro returns from a commercial break, the show is in the back, presumably in the locker room of 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair. He is not alone, shockingly, as Arn Anderson and the remnants of The Revolution are in the room. It looks like a celebrating party, the room filled with smiles and camaraderie as Perry Saturn mimes the right hook Benoit gave to Douglas, while Flair and Anderson talk up Malenko about matches and the "group" of old, obviously referencing past incarnations of the Four Horsemen, the legendary group of Ric Flair's and Arn Anderson's. The festivities are interrupted, however, when a knock on the door reveals the arrival of Bret 'The Hitman' Hart! He's already dressed to wrestle for his match tonight with Benoit, which will of course be a tribute to the passing of Owen Hart, and Bret's first match in months since the tragic loss of his brother. Despite pleasantries being exchanged between Hart and everyone in the room, the mood becomes much more somber. Hart, of course, has tried to get Benoit to steer clear of the drama surrounding Shane Douglas, The Revolution, and Flair, especially on a night like tonight; Hart doesn't seem too happy that Benoit was still involved in all the drama, but shakes it off. Instead, The Hitman congratulates Benoit for solving the debacle, and wishes his friend well moving on from The Revolution. Hart remains very stern however, as he says, "But now that you got out of the middle of it all, I want you to get ready and prepare yourself. Tonight's an important night, man... I want us to do this right." Hart then nods his head to Benoit and the rest of the group, and leaves, presumably to continue getting ready for the match tonight. Hart's very clear message has struck a chord with Benoit, who then excuses himself from the group, saying that Hart's right - he wants to get ready for tonight. Tonight, however, isn't about them; "tonight is about the Hart Family... Bret... Owen." With a nod of his head like Hart, Benoit then leaves, his celebrations cut short so he can physically and mentally prepare himself for what tonight means. [87%]

Banned
The camera keeps focusing in on the Talking Heads, with Tony Schiavone saying it's been a real fall from grace for the two men known as The Outsiders. After conspiring to re-unit the nWo at the start of the year, it looked like they would run wild. Instead, Hall picked up an injury that rules him out for month - and WCW then decided to declare him ineligible to compete and banned him from returning! While Kevin Nash went on to win the World Heavyweight Title this year, he was defeated and forced to retire by Hulk Hogan at Road Wild. The Outsiders were in attendance at Nitro by paying for front row seats, which got them on air and even interviewed by Gene Okerlund, but last week, were denied entry to Nitro backstage! Heenan remarks about there being a "protest" as a result, trying to imply random fans were protesting The Outsider's ban. Schiavone sets the record straight by having the production crew playing the video from Thunder of The Outsiders protesting outside of WCW Headquarters.

Quote:

If this Thunder hasn't been bizarre enough, we get even more confusion as the show cuts away to a pre-taped segment before tonight's main event. Two men dressed in suits stand just outside the offices of World Championship Wrestling in Atlanta, Georgia, holding signs and a megaphone. A close-up reveals the two men to be... The Outsiders!? Scott Hall, a toothpick protruding from his mouth, holds a sign with one hand that says, 'Free The Outsiders!' while his other hand is holding a small aluminum tin to collect money from people. Uh, what? Kevin Nash speaks through the megaphone the whole time, at first just yelling the word "censor" repeatedly. Big Sexy then says that The Outsiders are being censored by WCW, denied access to any events unless they purchase tickets like simpletons. "I'm a retired man, people! You, right there! You're old; you must be retired! Do you have any health benefits, a pension? Well I don't! WCW doesn't care about The Outsiders! We get nothing!" The antics of The Outsiders draws a crowd, although the old man Nash was talking to has walked away, probably insulted by Nash. With people crowding around the two men, some people even put dollar bills and change into the tin Hall is holding out, with a better close-up revealing the tin is decorated with the words 'Outsiders Retirement Fund'. As security comes out of WCW Headquarters, Nash quickly says, "People of Hotlanta! All we want is our jobs back! Let The Outsiders return to WCW! Do not let the suits of corporate America deny us any longer!" Nash and Hall then quickly take their props and flee the area before security can get a hold of them, with Hall snatching the megaphone and yelling, "Yo, people! FREE DA' OUTSIDA'S!" The segment then ends, the camera fading out as The Outsiders continue to jog away from WCW security.

The scene then cuts to the entrance to the arena, and there are The Outsiders strolling up to the front gate, and just like on the 09-13 Nitro, they got tickets. Both men look cocky as ever as they give their tickets to the staff member to let them into the show, but the young lady shakes her head and says she an't let them in. A squad of security quickly surrounds the proceedings as Kevin Nash reminds everyone they purchased tickets to watch tonight's show. "Yeah, yo," Hall says, "we just da common fan tryin' ta' watch some wrasslin'." Doug Dillinger, head of WCW Security, shows up and says he has been told by "corporate" that they are banned from all WCW events in any capacity. This anger both men, clearly, but Hall keeps his poise enough to say in a faux-hurt voice, "You hear that? The suits don't want us to join in any of their reindeer games!" Nash very sternly says the suits - nor Doug Dillinger and his ragtag security - can hold The Outsiders back. Hall, still deflecting his anger via goofiness, remarks that Mean Gene will get them back in 'cause he loves to interview them so much, which paves way for Nash to go for the same route, saying, "we're takin' this to the judge!" With a shove of his arm onto a security member, Hall back tracks away from the mob, Nash doing the same. Hall yells out another, "FREE DA' OUTSIDA'S" as the two walkaway from the scene, having to accept the fact that The Outsiders are officially on the outs of the company. While Schiavone stays objective about the two being banned from WCW, The Brain wants to know why in the heck they are being censored by WCW corporate. [94%]

NON-TITLE: HARLEM HEAT versus FILTHY ANIMALS
A no contest in the #1 contenders match on Thunder has left the Tag Title scene murky, although a non-title win for the Animals will sure clear it up. Despite a display of mutual admiration pre-match, the two teams come out hard in the opening minutes, putting together a combo of quick moving and hard hitting, creating a great back and forth affair. With this being face v. face, this match never sees a true "face in peril" role, although Mysterio and Booker T spend time being isolated by their opponents. Big Stevie Ray's presence becomes a turning factor when his size overwhelms both members of the Filthy Animals. Mysterio takes a nice fall away slam, while Ray does Kidman dirty, military press throwing him over the ropes to the mats on the outside! Both Harlem Heat members get into the ring with the advantage, overwhelming Mysterio. Within moments, Stevie Ray squashes Rey-Rey with a Bearhug, prompting Booker T to leap for the Harlem Side Kick. As Book goes for the Big Apple Blast finisher, Mysterio reverses the Bearhug out of nowhere by using an innovated monkey flip, sending Ray to the canvas. Of course Booker misses the Side Kick as a result, the momentum sending him through the ropes! Stevie Ray tries to squash Mysterio with a clothesline, but Mysterio leaps onto his arm, scissoring the arm before swinging all over Ray's body and head, taking him down with a wicked-weird head scissors take down! Great timing for the Animals too as Billy Kidman recovers and climbs to the top turnbuckle - SHOOTING STAR PRESS! In a sign that rules don't matter in wrestling anymore, the illegal man - Kidman - covers as Mysterio holds off Booker from getting into the ring. One! Two! Three! The Filthy Animals defeat the Champs! In a sign of respect, the two teams shake hands after the match, but both Harlem Heat brothers look frustrated at the loss. With this win for the Animals, it means they're definite contenders to the straps, and the Champs know they also have the First Family and the Windham Brothers still trying to do the same as well. [83%]

The Bully Needs to Be Bullied
A camera is following Eddy Guerrero backstage, and the irate second generation star finds Mean Gene, demanding a moment of his time. A startled Okerlund of course gives Eddy the time, with Eddy unsurprisingly sounding off on Sid. "I'm tired of you, vat," he hisses. "You wanna act like 'choo own the place 'round here, bullyin' anyone you feel is smaller and intimidated by you. WELL I'M NOT!" Eddy says that Sid preys on the men working paycheck-to-paycheck to provide for their families and try to break through in this business, like Los Villanos, or men who have just wrestled their hearts out, aka his nephew, Chavo. "When I was recovering from my accident, I spoke with my brother, Chavo Sr, and he wanted me to take better care of his son. You remember, Gene - Chavo had a rough patch in the beginning of the year; it was my job now to protect him. And Sid, you've made that near impossible!" Guerrero calls Sid nothing more than a common bully, and he needs "a good butt kickin' from someone who knows about resiliency, courage, heart, and passion." Eddy challenges Sid to one more match, this time at Halloween Havoc, saying, "I lost to you once, big man, but trust me when I say don't mess with my familia, essa! You've crossed the line too many times, hombre, and now, you're gonna pay!" Eddy jabs his finger at the camera, speaking to Sid more than anyone else. Guerrero then walks away, presumably to look after Chavo, while Okerlund summarizes the interview, shilling the fact that Eddy has laid down another challenge to Sid. [75%]

Goldilocks and the Three Little Jersey Boys
The cheering and chanting reaches a loud roar as "Invasion" suddenly plays over the PA system, bringing out one of the biggest stars in wrestling today, 'Da Man' Bill Goldberg! In jeans and sweatshirt he is not - Goldberg is out to wrestle tonight! However, when Goldberg enters the ring, he grabs a microphone. "I'm not a man of many words - 'cause I let my actions talk for me - so I'll be short and sweet and get right to the point. PAGE! I'm tired of the B.S. I'm tired of the games. And I'm tired of the running! I want you, in this ring - with me! And I want it NOW~!" That of course draws a big pop from the crowd. Goldberg then says, "We can do this the easy way, Page... or we can do it my way, the hard way!"

After several moments, "Self High Five" brings out the man Goldberg wants, Diamond Dallas Page, and the rest of his New Jersey Triad. While Chris Kanyon and Bam Bam Bigelow are dressed for combat, Diamond Dallas Page noticeably is not. That is pointed out through faux-humor attempts by the Triad, irritating Goldberg and the fans. Page then says that he can't wrestle tonight even if he wanted to... but Page doesn't want to. Re-iterating much of what he has already said over the past few weeks, DDP tells Goldberg that he doesn't answer to him - it's the other way around. "You need to remember somethin', Goldilocks - I'm the King 'round these pasts, not you!" While Goldberg looks ready to leave the ring and attack DDP after the Goldilocks remark, he mains self-control. Page then goads him further, saying Goldberg feared Chris Kanyon on Thunder. Kanyon then adds that Goldberg is not even close to reaching the success of DDP this year. "That's right, Chris," Page says. "I'm a two-time, two-time, TWO-time World Heavyweight Champion! You only won one-time! I've been the biggest and best name in WCW this past year - you made a D-list movie!" With Goldberg's limit reaching a boiling point, DDP finally addresses the challenge for a match. "I'll give you your match, Scumberg... but on my terms! It'll be on you and me - one-on-one - at Halloween Havoc, the same show where I came this close to ending your stupid little streak!" The crowd cheers for the match, but Page ain't done just yet. "Oh, and Goldilocks... if you want that match, hah hah... you still gotta earn it!" Page and the Triad share an evil, knowing laugh. Their music then hits and they head to the back, leaving Goldberg frustrated in the ring. Tony Schiavone ponders what that means, while Heenan, classic him, says, "It's simple, humanoid. If Goldberg wants to face the King of Badda Bing, he has to earn it and show he's at Page's level!" 85%]

BRET HART versus CHRIS BENOIT
Michael Buffer is out to do introductions for the Nitro main event, although he really undersells the importance of this match, and what it truly means to the Hart Family and the legacy of the great Owen Hart. Mike Tenay, joining in to help Fat Tony on the play-by-play, thankfully does not. A lot of the Hart Family is in the front row, and Benoit greets them all during his entrance, hugging Stu and Helen. Bret does the same after he enters, and the crowd's response to seeing The Hitman come out from the back in pink and black is immaculate.

The match gets underway after a handshake, and Hart, out of action for so many months, tries t feel his way into the match. Despite getting a big pop for the opening side head lock on Benoit, Hart quickly finds himself on the back foot as the in-shape Benoit engages him in chain wrestling. The Crippler out-wrestles his friend, taking Hart down to the canvas after a brief spell with a unique armbar. Benoit almost slaps on the Crippler Crossface right away, but Hart rolls out of the ring to escape. After getting some motivation from the family, Hart returns with renewed vigor, holding his own with Benoit in a new sequence of chain wrestling. It's spectacular, too. Tie-ups, reversal after reversal, holds and locks constantly applied as the Canadians wrestle around the ring and then to the ground, the end result, as it always is, a stand off. Still, it's a spectacular watch, and the crowd shows their appreciation for the these technical wizards.

Bret Hart tries to keep a technical approach against his friend, and starts to garner some momentum in the process, but Benoit lands a nice head butt to open Hart up to a series of stiff knife edge chops. The sound of hand-to-chest echoes around the arena, and Benoit quickly solidifies his position of Hart with a plethora of chops and side elbow strikes. Hart showing his rust early on, says Tony Schiavone, and dare I say it, he's right as Benoit scores a near fall with a fisherman's suplex. While the in-ring action remains crisp and excellent, the match remains in Benoit's control. Perhaps by plan, says Tony, Hart takes the beating until he can find the opening to reverse the momentum, which Hart does when he blocks a Benoit charge into the corner with a boot to the face. I thin Fat Tony was wrong, but Hart stuns Benoit long enough to put him down to the mat with a DDT.

That slows the action down momentarily, with the two again going for chain wrestling then. Bret again starts to hold his own with Benoit, and that starts the story of the match for quite sometime. Whether the two grapple, exchange strikes, or try to go through their repertoire of slams and suplexes, the action is back and forth, although The Brain feels like Bret is consistently on the back foot - close to Benoit, but not quite equal. Perhaps it's true as Benoit rather quickly is able to roll out of Bret's abdominal stretch, while Hart really struggles to find a way to break the Indian Deathlock that Benoit is then able to apply.

An extended period focused on the technical aspect gives way to a stiffer approach, Benoit again taking control with his patented knife edge chops, although Bret quickly fires back with chops of his own. The two simply beat each other across the ring for a brief spell, the end result surprisingly seeing Hart drop Benoit with a clothesline. Benoit rolls out of the ring to regroup, and Hart winds back the clock when he grabs the third rope to slingshot himself into a plancha onto Benoit! "What agility from Hart!" - Tony Schiavone. That gets an ovation!

Finally able to truly control the match, The Hitman works Benoit over on the outside, getting in offense through Irish whips into the guardrail and the side of the ring. Hart then lifts Benoit up and crotches him on the top of the guardrail - "Ouch!" cries The Brain. With Benoit subdued, Hart then locks his hands underneath Benoit's arms and behind his neck... and flips Benoit off the rail and to the protective mats with an innovated Northern lights suplex! That gets a great response from all, with The Professor simply in love with the move and the innovation. Hart rolls Benoit back into the ring and smartly makes a pin, but it's just a two count.

Hart continues on the advantage with a vertical suplex and grins away on Benoit for a few minutes, although The Crippler fights back by block a second vertical suplex attempt and hitting one of his own. It sparks a rest period and then more chain wrestling, with The Hitman winning the mini-battle with a waist lock take down and quickly applying a rolling double underhook lock. The awkward hold about wins the match too, but Benoit is able to get his foot on the rope to break the hold after ten seconds. Feeling the momentum, Hart stays on the offensive with simple offense, but not for long. Hart hits a German suplex and rolls back up for another, but Benoit counters with three back elbow strikes. Seizing the opportunity, Benoit reverses with a go-behind, and hits a German suplex of his own! Benoit then keeps a hold of Bret just like Hart did, hits a second, and then a third, the final one being a release German.

The quick reversal gets Bret on the back foot again, and Benoit hits a series of snap suplexes and then a cradle suplex, both which get close falls. The Crippler also nearly squeaks a win with an inside cradle from nowhere, but it also doesn't work. Benoit then goes for the submission approach, locking in a few basic maneuvers before really threatening with an inverted STF. With Benoit essentially pinning Hart's sternum to the canvas, Hart can't work his way to the ropes, which he learns the hard way after several failed attempts. With the crowd sensing a comeback defeat for Hart, The Hitman becomes desperate - and it works, excellently, of course. Flailing his arms about, Hart finds Benoit's face and gouges the eyes of Benoit while raking his face, prompting The Crippler to break the hold. It doesn't mean a positive for Bret though, as Benoit grabs a hold of him and drops him right on his neck with a German suplex. Bridge, cover! One! Two! Thre- Kick Out!

A series of close calls for Hart there, and Benoit keeps going, grinding away more at Hart. Benoit eventually hikes The Hitman up onto the top turnbuckle. Benoit plans his next move, but Hart senses the danger and blocks Benoit's ensuing climb of the turnbuckles with right hands. The two trade slow shots, and somehow Benoit gets turned around in the process, allowing Hart to swing his legs over Benoit's shoulders, and Victory Roll him into a pin! One! Two! Thr- Kick Out! The two quickly get up to their feet, and Benoit goes for a clothesline, but Hart ducks it, and drops him with a high-angled belly-to-back suplex!

That stall the match to an eight count, with the two starting over by trading blows to each other then. The Hitman rides the momentum, although Benoit of course catch that with a reversal to whip him into the corner. Benoit charges and connects with a leg lariat, although Hart then reverses a whip this time to send Benoit into the corner. This happens several more times until a Benoit reversal whips Benoit back into the corner again. The Crippler charges, but Hart counters with a spinning side elbow strike. Hart then scoops Benoit onto the turnbuckle and climbs up to the second himself. Hart tries a Superplex, but after a struggle, Benoit shoves Hart to the canvas. Benoit readjusts his footing and flies - SWANDIVE HEADBUTT! Cover! One! Two! Three- Shoulder Up! Oh so close!

Both men are slow to get up after the finisher, but it is Benoit who is on his feet first. Exhausted, Benoit goes straight for the win, catching Hart's arm, trying to take him down for the Crossface, but hart blocks it. Benoit tries again, and then a third time by leaping off his feet and scissoring Bret's arm. Hart, on the power of just one arm, swings Benoit's body around and into an innovated backbreaker! Benoit just bounces off of Hart's knee! That was sick-nasty! It completely changes the match too, as Benoit's back looks like it was nearly broken in half there on the impact. Hart is still slow to get to his feet, but when he does, he flicks his hair back over his head... and there it is. The intimidating look of old - Bret Hart is definitely back! Hart almost hits the Five Moves of Doom, hitting Benoit with an inverted atomic drop and then a Russian Leg Sweep - the back breaker already happened, but no flying elbow drop. The Russian Leg Sweep puts Benoit right where The Hitman where he wants him - on his back. Bret then adds the exclamation point, grabbing Benoit's legs and turning him... into the Sharpshooter! The Hitman locks it in directly in the middle of the ring! Benoit claws on the canvas, trying to work his way to the ropes, but there's no escaping The Sharpshooter! And he taps! Benoit taps! Bret Hart is back in World Championship Wrestling, and he's a winner!

The crowd absolutely erupts as the bell sounds, and Bret almost immediately helps Benoit up to his feet and hugs him. The Crippler proudly raises Hart's arm as the winner, and security helps the Hart Family over the railing to celebrate this moment together. As Tenay hypes up this match as a classic wrestling match - no silly interference, no needless Revolution drama, just wrestling - a still photo of Owen Hart with Martha Hart and their two sons appears above the entrance on the screen, and Bret salutes the picture of his beloved brother. Tony Schiavone says that tonight is a somber, sad reminder of the loss of Owen, but a beautiful reminder of who he was, and the wonderful family he was a part of. And then, without any storyline progression or dramatic stare downs and endings, Nitro concludes with the Hart Family and Benoit celebrating together - with the fans, the world, and more importantly, each other - with all three commentators praising and remembering the man that was Owen Hart. [81%]

In a sign of the company's deteriorating stance as the leader of professional wrestling, Thunder is taped for tonight's show, although that of course isn't something that is announced at all to the viewing public who have opted to watch Thunder instead of the new SmackDown. 'The Professor' Mike Tenay and 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko are your hosts for the evening, and there is a lot of talk of Monday Nitro - the return of Bret Hart in his victory of Chris Benoit, and Chris Benoit breaking up The Revolution by punching out 'The Franchise' Shane Douglas. According to Zbyszko, Benoit and his fellow ex-Revolutionary - and ex-Horsemen! - Dean Malenko will be in action in tonight's main event against Chris Kanyon and Bam Bam Bigelow of The Triad. There is a lot of talk about a potential re-formation of the Four Horsemen, and Zbyszko say he has it on good authority that Arn Anderson is here tonight, and he will have something to say about what happened on Nitro! Tenay also reveals he will air a sit-down interview he conducted with Bret 'The Hitman' Hart at WCW Headquarters! But first...

Berlyn, Beware
"HOOOOO!" That breaks up the introductions as 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan comes out with his 2x4... and the new look Van Hammer! New look really isn't true; he simply replaced a tye-dye shirt for a shirt made out of an American flag. Other than that, he looks absolutely the same. He gets cheers now though, thanks to Duggan. It's ole Hacksaw who riles up the American crowd first with cheap, pro-American stuff, and then says that he knew Old Glory would send him a new recruit in his war with Berlyn, and she didn't let him down. Duggan takes some time to hype up the All-American attributes of Hammer, from his size and strength to somehow his "All-American" looks (blonde hair, and blue eyes... he certainly looks more Aryan, Hacksaw...), making sure the crowd is nice and hot for Van Hammer when he says, "Berlyn, you got your Wall, right? Well America is gonna bring the Hammer down on it!" That could become catchy, as it gets a great pop from the crowd. Van Hammer then leads the crowd in a brief "USA, USA!" chant before his opponent comes out for the opening contest. [54%]

BARRY DARSOW versus VAN HAMMER
Wanting to show Duggan, the fans, and AMURCA what he is now all about, the flag-wearing Hammer wastes no time in attacking the veteran Darsow. Riding his new found momentum, Van Hammer has no real problems in the match, making quick work of Darsow with big right hands and running forearm strikes. A few simple slams and throws follow, and Van Hammer then whips Darsow into the corner and hits a big running avalanche. Darsow staggers out looking winded, and Hammer grabs him from behind and finishes him off for the squash victory with a Cobra Clutch Slam. Van Hammer is the winner for the first time in a while, and with Jim Duggan by his side, Mike Tenay thinks he has finally found his purpose in WCW. [56%]]

The Games
Thunder cuts to a pre-recorded video, and it is of 'The Total Package' Lex Luger lifting weights at his own gym, Main Event Fitness just outside of Marietta, Georgia. After some shots of Luger being all strong and stuff, lifting things and slamming them down, he starts speaking into the camera, saying he is as strong as ever, and it'll take more than a "bush league ambush" by Hulk Hogan to keep him down. "Hey Hogan, though you were laughing last week on Thunder, right? Just wait until Nitro, Hulkster. 'The games have begun,' remember?" Luger laughs and tells the camera that he will be facing Hulk Hogan on Nitro, "but Hogan, if you think that match has anything to do with the games... think again." Luger then gives another evil, knowing laugh as the video fades out and Thunder goes to a commercial break. [90%]

WCW TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP: RICK STEINER (c) versus CHAVO GUERRERO JR.
The WCW Championship Committee recognized the unfair ending to this match from Nitro, and so a re-match is on the cards for Chavo. Just like on Nitro, Rick Steiner comes out swinging, but Guerrero moves all about the ring, dodging and ducking the Dog Faced Gremlin's strikes before eventually sending him through the ropes with a drop toe hold. A somersault plancha ensues, and Guerrero shows his nasty side with an Irish whip that sends Steiner chest first into the ring post. Guerrero then rolls his opponent into the ring, and scores with a slingshot leg drop! One! Two! Thr- Kick Out! Steiner soon fights his way back into the match, and the two men have a nice, back and forth affair, the DFG using big shots and rough suplexes, Chavo relying on speed and tenacity. The TV Champion eventually had an extended period of dominance after a hangman's neckbreaker. Steiner again targets Chavo's neck, getting a near fall after a high-angle belly-to-back suplex, and the Dog Faced Gremlin also does damage with a chickenwing powerbomb looking maneuver, only to stick out his knee and drop Chavo's neck across it! Innovative and painful, ouch! That almost grabs the win for Steiner, who argues with referee Mickey Jay about his count.

Steiner's frustration only increases as Chavo continues to show resiliency, and it pays off as he pulls out all the stops to back flip onto his feet out of a release German suplex attempt, allowing him to catch Steiner by shock with a running bulldog. Chavito starts to gain momentum, hitting a snap hurricanrana and later a sunset flip for two close falls. A brainbuster drops Steiner on his head, and Chavito is feeling froggy as he climbs to the top turnbuckle. As Zbyszko remarks it must be Sid time soon, Tenay yells, "Not so fast!" A split-screen shot shows Eddy Guerrero backstage attacking Sid in a hallway, brawling with the big man so Chavo isn't bullied or screwed over. It's all set for Chavo to become the new TV Champion as he flies - FROG SPLASH - misses! Rick Steiner rolls out of dodge, under the ropes and to the outside as Guerrero crashes and burns. Realizing how close he was to a loss, Steiner decides to ensure he leaves still Champion, snatching the timekeeper's chair. The Dog Faced Gremlin enters the ring, chair in hand as Chavo tries to get up to his feet... and cracks the chair over his back! Chavo will win by disqualification, but Steiner will remain the champion. Guerrero drops to his belly after the chair shot, and Steiner sizes him up for more pain as he tries to pull himself up. DFG pulls the chair back of his head to bring down the killer blow, but it's pulled out of his hands! It's Buff Bagwell! The Stuff is back, and after being on the receiving end of a Rick Steiner chair shot ten days ago, is back for vengeance! Bagwell momentarily stuns Steiner with a toe kick, giving Bagwell enough time to swing back and clock Steiner across the face with the steel chair! Bagwell drops Steiner! The crowd cheers the actions of Buff, and The Stuff then does the honorable thing and helps Guerrero up to his feet, the two - especially Buff - celebrating the moment. [71%]

Getting The Band Back Together?
When Thunder returns, there is already one man standing in the ring that can immediately draw the attention of the crowd - ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson. Holding a mic in his good hood, Anderson talks up what happened on Nitro and what a delight it was ot see Chris Benoit, a man he respects with all of his heart, stand up for what was right by knocking out Shane Douglas. The whole ordeal resulted in a moment that still has Arn beaming - “ya’ll know exactly what I’m talking about - this right here,” he says as he shows the camera four fingers... the gesture of the Four Horsemen, a symbol that was shared by him and four other men on Nitro. Anderson spends the next few moments giving a history lesson in as entertaining of a way as only Anderson can, talking up the rich history of the Horsemen and the past affiliation that Benoit and Malenko had with it. The Enforcer reminds us of Benoit’s longstanding membership for three years, going to war alongside him and Flair, and Malenko being the man who campaigned and got the group back together last year. While Arn must admit that the group had a bad ending at the start of the year, “wrongs have been rights, and it seems we have come full circle.”

Arn’s speech is cut off suddenly by the theme music of The Revolution, but anyone expecting a heavy confrontation will be disappointed as the men arriving are friends - Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn. Despite coming out to their old faction’s music, there seems to be no ties to the group other than that - after all, they were flashing the four fingers of the Horsemen on Nitro. It is no surprise that they are out to talk about just that, and Benoit immediately says that while Nitro was a, “wonderful feeling of nostalgia, it was just that... nostalgia.” Benoit questions whether or not the Four Horsemen are reforming, despite what happened on Nitro and Anderson talking about the group now, something which throws Arn off quite a bit. Malenko asks Anderson if he wants the illustrious group to ride together again. In a candid response, Arn replies, “Lemme just put it this way, boys. I have ALWAYS been a Horseman, and I will always WANT to be a Horseman!”

That gets a great response from the crowd, but Benoit and Malenko appear critical of Arn’s emotional response. While Benoit praises Arn for always personifying what it means to be a Horseman, he questions if, “lightning can strike twice. Arn immediately jumps to defend the legacy and many re-incarnations of past Four Horsemen group, Malenko eventually talks over him, questioning, and then criticizing, the ability of the group to “get the job done.” The Ice Man goes on to say, “Arn, I love you, and I loved my time as a Horseman... but what impact did we have last year? We had this big ceremony, this big festive reunion - and for what? We did nothing! We accomplished nothing! Despite all the effort and fanfare, the Four Horsemen were not THEE Four Horsemen!” Malenko’s scathing take on Anderson stuns and silences Anderson, causing Arn to ponder if he has been looking at the Four Horsemen as “an idea, not a reality.” Really starting to get riled up, Arn says, “Maybe it’s time for me to take off these rose-tinted glasses here on mah face.” Anderson removes his glasses, but his speech is even more fiery. “There we go... but I’m still thinkin’ the same! This is the Four Horsemen! This ain’t your run of the mill group of boys in the back tryin’ ta’ make a name for themselves - we are the name! You have a chance to be what men and children idolize! You all want to break the glass ceiling in Dubya-See-Dubya, right? Well then look no further than right here, baby, than this,” Arn says as he puts the Horseman symbol up and moves it slowly across the faces of all three men. “This right here, this is your jackhammer, your sledgehammer, or any other tool you want as your metaphor to break through that ceiling! So if you want to keep living in obscurity, always bein’ so close to the top - but never quite just there - then run scared like you are right now! Be a coward! Or climb. Climb up on that saddle with me and thee Ric Flair, and ride to the greatness you’re all destined to be! Dean, Chris, there ain’t nothin’ to question. I get your skepticism, but there ain’t none! Sometimes ya’ gotta just let a dead horse die. Well there’s just one problem with that mentality - The Four Horsemen never die! Because I think you boys don’t realize something... you three are here right now.. in this position.. for a reason. Do you know what that reason is? Fate, destiny. You are here right now, talking about the Four Horsemen with me right now... because you don’t choose to be a Horseman, right Chris? It chooses you! And you’ve been chosen! It is time for the Horsemen to ride through the gates of hell, YET AGAIN!”

There is absolute silence, both in the ring and throughout the arena, as Anderson finishes his passionate speech and stares down the three other men in the ring with him. After several moments of the silence, The Enforcer says he only has one question left. He then gets right in Perry Saturn’s face, almost like a drill instructor, and yells if he wants to be a Four Horseman? The response is overwhelming. “YES I DO!” He yells. The crowd comes back to life with cheers. Anderson, not minding that some of Saturn’s saliva just flew onto him, stays in his face and yells again, “Do you have what it takes to be a Horseman!?” Saturn’s reply is just as emphatic as the first - “YES I DO, SIR!” More cheers from the crowd. Anderson then asks the same question to both Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit, and their skepticism has been removed by Arn’s words as they also shout their desire to re-join the Four Horsemen, Malenko embracing Arn after his two questions to him. Once it is clear that the three ex-Revolutionaries are 100% on board with Anderson, ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair comes out from the back with an ear-to-ear grin, applauding the four men in the ring. He immediately gets into the ring and hugs everyone. Taking a mic, Flair milks the crowd with his usual bout of, “WOO!”’s, and then says that he and Arn have talked about this ever since Monday Nitro, and the Horsemen have been chosen. Reiterating Anderson’s words, he says, “you are chosen to be a Horseman, and I think you all can tell now - you’ve been chosen! We’re getting back on the saddle, and the Four - WOO~! - Horsemen are gonna RIDE... A-WOO-GAIN!” Flair throws the microphone up into the air and starts strutting around the ring, still yelling out that trademark “WOO” of his. The group eventually comes together in a group hug, and as the segment ends, Anderson announces that this is the only the beginning as on Monday Nitro, the Four Horsemen will officially return to World Championship Wrestling in style the way only a Horseman can do so - with one hell of a party to formally announce the return of the greatest group in wrestling, ever. [88%]

HARLEM HEAT versus WINDHAM BROTHERS (w/West Texas Rednecks)
Since the Filthy Animals got a chance against Harlem Heat on Nitro after the debacle that was Thunder's #1 contendership match last week, Mike Tenay says it's only fair the West Texas Rednecks get a shot, although Zbyzsko points out they've already lost to Harlem Heat twice in the past month. That doesn't stop the Windhams from coming out with big clubbering blows, the Rednecks countering Heat's athleticism with old fashioned punches. The Southern boys are also aided by Curt Hennig and Bobby Duncam Jr. at ringside - Hennig trips up Stevie Ray at one point while Bobby Duncam uses a distraction to whip Booker T into the guardrail. Both actions help the Rednecks regain control for an extended period of time, the latter especially as the brothers isolate Booker T for a lengthy spell after Duncam's interference. The less-accomplished Kendall Windham almost grabs the win with a back breaker and fall away slam combination, only for Booker to then make a hot tag to Stevie Ray moments later when he ducks a Big Boot attempt and hits a smooth neckbreaker in transition.

The arrival of big Ray is again helpful for the Tag Champs, as his running forearm strikes quickly leave the Windham Brothers reeling, with Curt Hennig having to pull referee Nick Patrick out of hte ring to prevent a three count following a Stevie Ray rotating powerslam to Barry Windham. As Stevie Ray dismantles the Rednecks, Booker T is tagged back in, coming in with a Harlem Side Kick to Kendall, followed by a nice break dance spin move. Both cowboys are down, and Stevie Ray joins in on the dance too - live it up while you're ahead. As that happens, Curt Hennig gets onto the apron and distracts Nick Patrick, and Bobby Duncam grabs Stevie by the ankles. He pulls him down and out of the ring, and immediately plasters him with the cowbell attached to the Rednecks' bullrope! With Stevie Ray out of commission, Booker tries to leave the ring and go after Duncam, having witnessed the whole ordeal, but is stopped by a clubbering forearm from behind by Barry Windham. The senior Windham beats on Booker until Kendall gets up to his feet, and the two then whips Booker into the ropes, lift him up, and hot shot him across the third rope! Staggering and gasping for air, Booker turns around right into a hellacious lariat from Barry! Cover! One! Two! Three! Third time is a dirty charm for the Windhams, and Harlem Heat are losers in non-title action for the second time in only three days. The Rednecks all celebrate on the outside of the ring, with Curt Hennig cockily getting into the camera and saying, "And that's why Rap... is Crap!" The Rednecks all laugh and continue their celebrations up the aisle, while a loopy Stevie Ray pulls himself back into the ring to check on his little brother. Both Harlem Heat members slowly pull themselves up to their feet, looking worse for wear - because of the physical pain of this match, and the reminder that they have now lost twice in a row to two of their three challengers. The Living Legend astutely points out that the Champs cannot fret tonight's defeat for long because The First Family will certainly be waiting in the wings for a shot at them on Monday Nitro. [71%]

Big Wiggle... Big Joke, Olka-Pola
My man, 'Mean' Gene Okerlund, is backstage and he's standing next to a flashy-dressed Ernest 'The Cat' Miller. A sparkly purple shirt and just as sparkily black tights - what a boss! Gene O wants to know if Miller's controversial red shoes are in the bag Sonny Onoo is holding, while also adding that The Cat has used his shoes a lot to knock his opponents out in matches. Ever the investigative reporter, Okerlund wants to know if the shoes are loaded with some sort of foreign weapon, but Miller refuses to answer any questions. Irritated, Okerlund asks what he is allowed to know, and a grinning Miller says, "THAT I'M THE GREATEST!" Miller, and oh my even Sonny Onoo, start dancing obnoxiously for a few moments; Okerlund looks disgusted. Miller then says he's the greatest dancer and entertainer in WCW, and "people need to recognize." He is tired of hearing about Disco Inferno, or worse, Norman Smiley. Miller gloats that Smiley wasn't too great when he knocked his lights out last week on Thunder. Onoo proudly chimes in, "Cat-Bo... numba' one! Big Wiggle... big joke!" The Cat, of course, vehemently agrees and says, once again, that he is the greatest, and needs to be treated as such. "And now, Gene Olka-Polka get ready to call my Momma, 'cause The Cat's about to prove it bay-bay!" The Cat's going to disco-slap Disco Inferno, and send a message to Norman Smiley and his dumb fans that Miller is "the bee's knees." Miller and Onoo then walk off, leaving Okerlund to simply mouth, astonished, "Olka-Polka?" [59%]

DISCO INFERNO versus ERNEST MILLER (w/Sonny Onoo)
Having already made it clear to all that he's the best dancer and entertainer in WCW, The Cat looks to back that up now against one of the three dancing fools of WCW (Miller, of course, being another third). Inferno tries to disco dance as the bell rings, only for Miller to cheap shot him from behind. The Cat, grabbing that early opportunity, is able to spend much of the match dominating Disco Inferno, but does so in a belittling, dick-ish manner that gets the crowd trying to cheer Inferno back into the match. Miller spits on Inferno several times, and also dances over him at one point, letting him know just who the better dancer is. Miller's arrogance allows Disco back into the match, The Cat taking too long to berate the crowd, giving Disco enough time to evade a Cat attack, resulting in Miller running sternum first into the turnbuckles. Disco quickly starts to gather momentum and signals for the Chartbuster after a few moments, prompting Sonny Onoo to get onto the apron. The ref and Disco try to get him off, allowing The Cat to put on his red-ruby shoe, and field goal kick Disco from behind... right in the nuts! Miller immediately tosses away the evidence, Onoo hops off the apron, and Miller school boys Inferno into a pin, hooking the tights! One! Two! Three!

What a cheap victory for Miller! The Cat gets the potentially-loaded red-ruby slippers of death from Onoo after the match, and after some break dancing in them, signals for a Feliner kick to knock out Disco. As The Cat dancers and taunts the disco superstar, he is oblivious to Onoo's cries of the arrival of Norman Smiley, who enters the ring behind The Cat and puts him in a Crossface Chickenwing! The Norman's Conquest submission! Smiley wrenches back on the flailing Cat, much to the delight of the crowd, and Miller screams and taps out in pain from the hold, although Larry Zbyszko points out that it all means nothing. Smiley keeps the hold locked in for several moments, and then releases the hold and throws The Cat over the top rope! If the crowd wasn't already happy, it gets even better as Smiley helps Disco up to his feet, and the two men start an impromptu dance session! Disco, of course, discos away while Smiley does the Big Wiggle and Smiley Spanky to the ropes. The Cat, recuperated and disgusted, looks ready to cry on the entrance aisle as Onoo tries to console him. "Cat's got The Cat's tongue, Professor!" - Zbyszko. [70%]

KONNAN versus STEVEN REGAL (w/David Taylor)
Steven Regal is out for job duty tonight, and the crowd is always happy to see his opponent - the rapping the Konnan. Steven Regal looks disgusted that Konnan wrestles in sweatpants and a plaid shirt, and rightfully so. Regal's disdain fuels him early on, taking control early with well placed jabs and hard knife edge chops, Zbyszko wondering if Regal is trying to chop Konnan's shirt off. Regal goes with his usual mat-based style to grind Konnan down, minimizing Konnan's opportunities to fight his way back into the match. Several false hope spots almost sees K-Dawg regain control, but Regal is really on his game tonight. Konnan, however, turns the tides when he blocks a butterfly suplex with knee strikes, and then hits a butterfly suplex of his own to ground Regal. From there, it all goes Konnan's way, working Regal over and then hitting a trademark rolling clothesline.

With the victory all but sealed for K-Dawg, things get eery again as the lights go out, in, and out, flashing on and off as the evil cackle from last week is heard again. It's obvious Konnan is being targeted, and the interruption distracts him as he looks all around the arena for the mysterious culprit. Referee Johnny Boone is distracted too, so much that he doesn't catch Regal pull brass knuckles out of his knee pad and use them to hit Konnan with a knock-out left hook! Of course the distractions all stop as Regal makes the cover, and the oblivious Boone registers the three count, giving Steven Regal his first victory in months. As the Brits celebrate the win on the outside, Boone tends to Konnan, who takes quite some time to stir. Once he finally gets to his knees, the evil voice again is heard, this time sounding sarcastic as the mystery stalker slowly laughs. Konnan, confused as to who is behind all this, looks more and more spooked. [81%]

A Sit Down With The White Hart
The camera focuses in on Mike Tenay and Larry Zbyzko for a few moments as the two talk up Nitro's main event, which of course saw Bret Hart defeat Chris Benoit in a tribute to the late Owen Hart. Zbyszko calls the match a fitting, touching classic, while Tenay points out it was Hart's first match back in months. A quick video of the match plays, showing some of the highlights of the action and then the ending celebrations with the Hart Family. Tenay, after the video, reminds everyone of the interview he had with Hart yesterday at WCW Headquarters to talk about the match and his return.

The show cuts to that interview, and the two men briefly talk about the match and what it meant to Hart and his historic family. Tenay reminds Bret that he said he would only return when he could face Hulk Hogan - what changed? Hart attributes the chance to Owen and his family. As much as Bret wants to wrestle Hogan for himself, he also needed to wrestle in the Kemper Arena for Owen Hart and everyone affected by his loss, which also, he points out, includes his family and himself. Hart thanks Chris Benoit for giving him an excellent match and tribute to his brother and best friend. Monday was closure for Bret and his family, and now he believes he can move on and return to active wrestling. The interview leads to Tenay talking about comments Bret made on Nitro recently about fixing what is wrong in WCW, and The Hitman restates that he plans on doing exactly that. "When I came into WCW almost two years ago, I saw a crooked President, a corrupt nWo, and a lot of greed and betrayal." Things haven't really improved, according to Hart, and places part of that blame on his own shoulders. "Instead of coming in as an agent of change, I assimilated into the toxic environment and let it plague me." The Hitman sees that now, though, and is going to take a stand - he will stand up to geed and corruption. And he'll do it single-handily if he has to. "Bret Hart will be the face of what is morally right, and I have the ability to be that because of Owen, who always did what was right. Owen's passing, obviously it has had a tremendous affect on my life. But I always have Owen by my side. And because of that, I am dedicating the rest of my career to my brother, and that alone will always guide me to the right decision." The interview ends with Hart restating his pledge to be the face of good in professional wrestling, and that he will stand up to anyone who goes against his beliefs... no matter who that is.

The Professor wants to know what is next for Hart now that he’s back, and the Canadian simply states it all goes back to where it began - Hulk Hogan. The Hitman praises Hulk Hogan’s rich history and accolades, his talents, his legacy, and his “return to his moral compass” since going back to the red-and-yellow. “However,” Hart says “I need to know where I stand on the all-time list - I need to know if I’m as good... or better... than a legend like Hulk Hogan.” Bret selflessly admits he does not mind losing to Hogan, for the match isn’t about winning or losing. “I just need to do that one thing - fight Hogan - and finally know, know my place in the history books.” Hart doesn’t have to be the best anymore; he just has always dreamed of a match with Hogan, and is curious to see if he can match up to the undisputed greatest professional wrestler of all time. However, The Hitman understands Hogan has his battle with Sting right now, and has to wait. This allows Hart to turn the focus of his interview to Sting, calling the World Heavyweight Champion, “the symbol of corruption in WCW” and that Sting’s tragic fall from the Franchise of WCW has been to “nothing more than that of a common villain.” Hart goes on further to say, “I just know that my mission to stand up to evil in this company must cross paths with Sting at some point,” but Hart still must get his match with Hogan first. Hart ends the interview by saying he will wait for his shot at Hulk Hogan, much like he will wait for his shot at Sting... but Hart will get his match with Hogan, and he will be the “White Knight I know I can be for World Championship Wrestling.” [86%]

CHRIS BENOIT & DEAN MALENKO (w/Perry Saturn) versus THE NEW JERSEY TRIAD
The leader of the Triad is not at ringside for the main event and for good reason - tonight isn’t about DDP v. Goldberg, but the three ex-members of The Revolution and the pending re-birth of the Four Horsemen. A camera spots Ric Flair watching on a monitor in the back, while Arn Anderson sits in on commentary, obviously praising his boys and hyping the name and legacy of the Four Horsemen, and of course the return of the band of horses. Although we know who the match is about, it’s still a very good back and forth affair. The Triad are not intimidated by the prospect of the Horsemen; instead Kanyon wrestled with them and Bigelow uses his size and brute strength to toss the two men around. The Revolution - can they still be called that? - do maintain a slight advantage during the beginning of the match, and a nice spot sees Benoit go high risk with a suicide dive to the outside to Bifelow, while Malenko grabs a near fall with a chickenwing powerbomb. The Ice Man keeps working over Kanyon in the ring - targeting both the back and knee - while Bam Bam reverses a whip on the outside to send The Crippler face first into the ring post!

Bigelow then enters the ring to blindside Malenko, and eventually caps his mini-assault off with a running avalanche into the corner to put The Trid in full control. The Jersey Boys take their time in really working Dean Malenko over, showing good team work with quick tags, isolating in the corner, and double team combos - some legal, some not. The intervention of Chris Kanyon is needed at one point, the obnoxious lackey illegally entering the ring and slamming Malenko to the canvas after the Ice Man had subdued Bigelow with a quick swinging neckbreaker. Benoit tries to come to the rescue, and of course the ref blocks it, meaning The Triad can cheat further as Bigelow lifts and slams Kanyon onto Malenko with a military press turned body splash! Cover by Bam Bam, but Malenko kicks out before three. The isolation continues on, and Kanyon gets a little too overzealous when he scoops Malenko up to the top turnbuckle and tries to Superplex him. Instead, the Man of 1,000 Holds fights him off and shoves him all the way down to the canvas... and then executing a Flying Elbow Drop! Dramatic pause and crawl to the corner, and Chris Benoit finally gets the hot tag!

Fresh and ready to go, The Crippler shows his brain with a nice drop toe hold to subdue the now legal Bam Bam Bigelow. The Crippler’s chops, forearm strikes, and side elbow shots hold The Triad at bay until he can escalate to the next level, taking Kanyon down with a release German suplex and a hug rotating belly-to-belly suplex to Bigelow! The numbers do eventually catch up to the Canadian, and Kanyon blindsides him with a forearm strike to put The Triad back in front. The dup whip Benoit into the ropes, but miss Malenko blind tagging himself back into the match. Off the whip, The Crippler counters the double back body drop by catching both men, and hitting a double DDT, making the Jersey boys look utterly foolish. The Crippler quickly slices his throat and heads up to the top, while Malenko hits a chickenwing backbreaker to Kanyon. Benoit flies at Bigelow - SWANDIVE HEADBUTT! As Benoit’s head bounces off the meaty Bigelow, Malenko quickly covers him, Arn Anderson counting along on commentary - One! Two! Three!

Malenko and Benoit are winners, and as Anderson gets into the ring to join the group, his hand gesture makes it clear who has really won - The Four Horsemen. Perry Saturn hops in as well, and then a grinning Ric Flair comes out too, applauding the performance and then showing the four fingers of the Horsemen. The new group celebrates in the ring as Thunder comes to a close, a memorable moment coming as Perry Saturn mugs for the camera and rips off his own line when he says, “Out with Revolution, in with the Four Horsemen!” Right he is, as Mike Tenay closes off the broadcast shilling the official ceremony on Monday Nitro for the Horsemen’s return to World Championship Wrestling. [79%]

Nitro’s opening credits and theme song plays to start the broadcast, followed by a video highlighting the rich and extensive history of the Four Horsemen, including the last run of 1998 and into 1999. The video ends in the present, despite so many past moments involving Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, with Chris Benoit punching out Shane Douglas and Benoit celebrating a re-union with Flair, Anderson, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn.

Let The Games Begin - Part I
The broadcast then goes live to Hulk Hogan, who has just arrived to the show. Pulling his suitcase along on its wheels, Hogan casually says hello to random people as he is pointed in the direction of his locker room. He finds it easily - it’s the one with his name in a star on it. Getting ready to go inside and relax, Hogan opens the door... to black and white! The room is filled with black and white balloons, streamers, and fallen confetti. After a moment of shocked confusion, Hulk Hogan looks pissed - this is clearly a sign from Sting. He acknowledges it too as he re-groups and shakes his head. “The games have begun, huh? Sting’s gotta do better than this, brother. Hey... what’s that?” Hogan asks to himself. Somehow originally unspotted before now is a small white box on top of a black folding chair in the middle of the room. It’s a present! Hogan cautiously walks up to the box, opens it, and immediately JUMPS back in fear! It’s a... scorpion!? And it almost just stabbed Hulk Hogan in the hand!

Hogan yells in a panic, scared half to death by the scene of events. Hogan yells again, this time for help, exclaiming there’s a scorpion trying to attack him, and then, “I know this was you, Sting! I’ll get you for this!” Stagehands and security arrive, and a furious Hogan demands a new place to put his luggage, completely petrified by Sting’s mind games.

The scene abruptly cuts to the announcing table at ringside, where Tony Schiavone and Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan both welcome us to the show, and talk about what has already happened - the mind games that Sting warned Hogan would begin tonight. Schiavone is, of course, concerned for Hogan, while Heenan points out that Hogan is scared of Sting and his new persona - he has already fallen victim to the Scorpion’s mind games. Wanting optimism over cynicism, Schiavone moves on to remind fans of the epic show tonight will be as, “in one of the greatest moments in the history of this sport,” the iconic Four Horsemen will re-unite in an official ceremony! The talk is all on that - and how furious Shane Douglas must be as the entire Revolution has left him for Ric Flair, his hated rival, and the legendary Four Horsemen. [97%]

BOBBY DUNCUM JR. (w/Vincent) versus EDDY GUERRERO
Nitro’s curtain jerker has a cruiserweight in it, unsurprisingly, but it surprisingly isn’t a high-flying affair as a fired up Guerrero fires away like a piston in the early rounds, actually out-brawling Duncum Jr., who is of course a big, roughneck cowboy who loves nothing more than to fight. He’s only flanked by Vincent tonight, the former nWo bodyguard turned black cowboy to earn a paycheck. Tony Schiavone uses the match to recap Eddy’s problems with Sid Vicious, especially with Sid bullying his nephew. In the match, Guerrero does go high risk after his right hands and clothesline knocks Duncum to the outside, hitting a slingshot plancha. Duncum turns the tides on the outside with an Irish whip reversal that sends Guerrero straight into the guardrail. Duncum stays in front as the match gets back into the ring, although Eddy quickly counters, slipping away from Duncum with a go-behind and hitting a sit-out reverse facebuster (or mat slam, if you will). As Guerrero again aggressively attacks the West Texas Redneck, the announcers remind folks that Guerrero challenged Sid last week on Nitro to a match at Halloween Havoc, which The Brain says Eddy should be lucky Sid hasn’t accepted it. “Although he’s got a few - and by a few, I mean many - screws loose, Sid probably forgot by now!” The Brain remarks. Guerrero has not forgotten how to win a match, however, and does so moments later with his Frog Splash after having subdued Duncum with a brainbuster.

There’s no time for celebrations after the match, for as the bell ring, Sid arrives! The crowd sees him jogging down the aisle and they boo him immediately. In a rare sign of intelligence from a face, Eddy recognizes the shady business about to go down because of the crowd, and turns just in time to duck a running Sid forearm attack! Sid turns right into a dropkick! Both men get up, and Eddy leaps up and takes Sid down again, this time with a crazy-legs head scissors take down! Guerrero rolls under the ropes after impact, backing up the aisle with a grin on his face for the first time in a long time. He knows that he has bested Sid at his own game tonight, leaving a furious Sid in the ring. [62%]

ANGRY~!
Sid is still furious, and grabs a microphone as he stares down Eddy, now at the entrance platform. Psychotic, Sid simply yells at first for several moments before speaking in short, incoherent sentences, although it is obvious that he calls himself the Millennium Man and the Master and Ruler (but not of the World, for once). He then screams again before yelling, “TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!” Sid states again that Guerrero isn’t taking him seriously, and that it is a grave mistake. “I DESTROY Luchadores... FOR FUN,” he yells. He mixes yelling and whispering as he says, “Mask... OR NOT... I will POWER...bomb... you... straight to hell... Guerrero.” After some more incoherent rambling, this time with Sid referring to himself as the Master of the Powerbomb, the Millennium Man then finally moves on to Guerrero’s challenge from last week. “AND AS FOR... Halloween Havoc... I ACCEPT... your challenge.” Sid then trash talks Guerrero - in his own psychotic way - before telling Eddy, “You will be just... ANOTHER VICTIM... on my path... to one-hundred... AND ZERO! AND THEN... one-hundred and eighty-seven... and oh! NO ONE CAN STOP SID! I’M THE MILLENNIUM MAN! Not Chavo Guerrero! Not you, Eddy Guerrero! Not a WHOLE FEDERATION... of Luchadores. NOT EVEN... Bill Goldberg. Sid then slams down the microphone and roars a yell again as he stares down Eddy. Guerrero’s earlier grin has been replaced with an intense stare as the two show their focus on each other. [79%]

EVAN KARAGIAS versus JUVENTUD GUERRERA versus LODI (w/Lenny Lane)
The story here is that Juvi Guerrera is pissed at WCW Cruiserweight Champion Lenny Lane for inadvertently costing him a match last week on Nitro against Evan Karagias, who has been making waves with a string of impressive performances as of late, including almost beating Lane to win the Cruiserweight Title - if not for Lenny’s ambiguously gay “brother” Lodi interfering. The Juice, the most talented and experienced of the lot, carries the workload early on with a lot of fast moving attacks and aerial maneuvers, the best of which sees him slingshot over the ropes to the outside, hitting a hurricanrana on the bystanding Lenny! This gets Lodi focusing his anger on Juventud, allowing Karagias to sneak up on both combatants with a missile dropkick! Neither of the three men are willing to work together throughout the match, resulting in a constant back and forth match with a lot of near falls, but never that three count. Hyped by stand-in commentator Mike Tenay as the most talented of the three, Guerrera is able to eventually subdue both opponents with a springboard corkscrew moonsault press from the top turnbuckle to a standing Lodi and Karagias. Karagias, it must be noted, has received the brunt of the offense throughout the match, and that gets worse as Guerrera scoops him up and hits his version of the Michinoku Driver, aptly named the Juvi Driver. Cover. One! Two Three!

But Lenny pulls Guerrera out of the ring! The Cruiserweight Champion saves the match so Lodi may still win, and as a result, receives a right hook from Juventud! The Juice turns his focus solely on Lenny, opting to make a statement in the cruiserweight division by assaulting the champion, and not winning matches. As Juventud wrecks Lenny on the outside, Lodi gets up to his feet in the ring. He stands over the recovering Karagias, and slaps him across the face! Lodi laughs at the rookie - inside cradle! One! Two! Three! What!? Karagias rolls Lodi up out of nowhere, and again somehow pulls out a victory! The sound of the bell halts all the action, and realizing he has lost the match, Guerrera starts throwing a temper tantrum on the outside. Lodi, noticing his partner is hurt, rushes to his aid. Juvi storms off a loser, and Lenny clutches to his gold title belt while Lodi clutches to Lenny. Karagias, “despite all the odds, has yet again ended up victorious here on Monday Nitro,” quips Mike Tenay as the corn-rowed blue chipper celebrates the win in the ring. [62%]

The Outsiders Go To: Court!
Nitro cuts away from Missouri to go to Atlanta, Georgia, but the cameras are not outside WCW Headquarters; the feed is “live” at a courthouse! A female judge is at the head of the court room; at one table is a middle-aged lawyer and two grayed, corporate men in suits. At the other table... The Outsiders. The bailiff cries for all to rise, as the judge is ready to rule on Hall & Nash v. World Championship Wrestling. The judge says she has examined all the evidence, petitions from fans and WCW sponsors, and legal briefs. The judge is cut off by laughter coming from Hall at the word ‘briefs’ - “Hey yo... she said briefs, like drawers!” Hall says to Nash, but his giant friend punches him in the arm to silence him. Rolling her eyes at the immaturity, the judge says it is constitutionally legal for WCW to ban The Outsiders from being an active part of WCW and its programming. As she explains it, Nash has been retired and is no longer an employee of the company as a result, and Hall has been suspended by WCW. The judge has no authority of Hall’s suspension, and if Nash signed a contract without knowing about his lack of benefits or pension, that is his fault, not hers. The decision, she declares after a bang of her gavel, is final as her decision cannot be appealed due to The Outsiders representing themselves. “I’m sorry, gentlemen,” she somberly states, “but your time in World Championship Wrestling is over.” The decision leaves the stunned Outsiders rooted to the spot, while the apparent executives of WCW shake hands with their lawyer and depart the court room. The Outsiders are officially out of World Championship Wrestling! [88%]

The Canadian Bromance
A camera is backstage, and it has caught up to Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart... who is walking~! The Hitman spots his friend, Chris Benoit, and approaches him. The two embrace with a “bro-hug” and exchange all the pleasantries. The smile for tonight is evident on Benoit’s face as the two chat. Benoit talks up the return of the Four Horsemen tonight, but stresses to Hart that even though he’ll become a Horseman again tonight, it won’t change a thing between them. “No matter what, Bret, I’ll always have your back.” Benoit then endorses Bret on his “mission to fight injustice” in WCW, and that Hart can make a difference. After a passionate thanks, The Hitman says the same to Benoit - that he’ll have his back - citing that they’ll always be the same; “Canuckers.” After a laugh, the two simultaneously exclaim in a sing-song manner, “Oh Can-a-da~!” Grinning, the two clap each other over the shoulder and depart in opposite directions, their friendship stronger than ever. [83%]

NON-TITLE: HARLEM HEAT versus THE FIRST FAMILY (w/Jimmy Hart)
“Harlem Heat know the last thing they can afford here tonight is another loss,” Schiavone proclaims as the WCW Tag Team Champions square off against a third team of challengers to the belts they reclaimed at Fall Brawl. Knowing this, the Champs have a fighting spirit as the match starts, wasting no time in attacking Brian Knobs and Hugh Morrus. This match is a complete, ugly slugfest throughout the beginning of the match, and it surprisingly pays off for the Champions as Stevie Ray knocks Knobs out of the ring with a flurry of strikes. That opens up Morrus for a Harlem Side Kick that almost ends the match early, but Morrus kicks out. Heat remain in control early on with fresh tags and an energetic attack, but after a few minutes Booker forgets the basics. The former TV Champ runs off the ropes too close to the First Family’s corner, and the veteran Knobs takes advantage, pulling down the top rope and causing the Tag Champ to fall hard to the outside. Knobs takes further advantage with some closed-fisted right rights, and then rolls him back into the ring for Morrus.

The First Family slow the match down as they isolate Booker, keeping him in their corner often and using a combination of frequent tags and constant punches to stay on top. Morrus breaks away from the successful formula eventually with a Bearhug, squeezing the life out of Booker until he’s non-responsive. Referee Johnny Boone checks the arm once and then twice for a response, but there is none. Booker shows fight before his arm falls for that decisive third time, and tries to get out of the Bearhug, but he cannot break Morrus’ grip. Booker starts to fade again, but scores with a desperation move to break the submission - an ear clap, also known as the dreaded Hinkle Bell Ringer. That breaks the hold! Booker then hits a standing dropkick, and makes the hot tag!

Stevie Ray, like a house o’ fire, comes in like he always does, running and knocking down Morrus and the now legal Knobs with big right hands and clotheslines. Ray keeps going, hitting a back body drop to Morrus while Knobs eats a flapjack (“Looks like more than one judging by that gut” - The Brain). The numbers eventually catch up to him as the First Family start to overpower Stevie Ray, only for Booker to come in to the rescue. Book rocks both men with powerful right hands, and drops Knobs with a Harlem Side Kick! Working together now, and Harlem Heat send Morrus over to the top to the outside with a clothesline! Booker heads to the outside to continue the fight with Morrus, and Jimmy Hart decides the time is now to try and help out his team. The influential manager gets onto the apron and starts berating the referee, grabbing the official’s attention. Stevie Ray gets in on it too, threatening Hart to get off the apron before he gets punished. This just makes the argument worse, and Knobs, unbeknownst to , grabs Hart’s megaphone that Hart apparently put on the apron before he got onto the apron himself. WHACK~! Knobs cracks Ray over the back of the head with the megaphone! Knobs quickly disposes of the evidence as Hart backs down, and there’s a cover. One! Two! Three! Booker T gets into the a fraction too late, and Harlem Heat lose again! Three times in a week! Knobs is smart to quickly roll out of the ring as the bell sounds, avoiding any post-match retaliation for his cheating ways. The First Family celebrate together in the aisle, Jimmy Hart obnoxiously yelling into the megaphone. “The First Family are your next Tag Team Champions of the World!” As Booker helps his brother to his feet, Schiavone ponders the title situation as three challengers have all defeated Harlem Heat - “how do you adjudge who is the most worthy of a title shot!?” [70%]

Bad Necks and Dog Barks
When Nitro returns, the icon(ly cheesy and lame) ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is in the ring, tuxedo-clad, talking up what a night Nitro has been so far and will be, hyping the re-union of the Four Horsemen and remarking that other men will be in a tuxedo tonight - and do it better than him too! Okerlund brings out his guest for the segment, Buff ‘The Stuff’ Bagwell, who comes out to big cheers, despite sporting only jean coveralls and a ludicrous lime-green top hat. Somehow, the crowd loves him. After playing to the crowd and flexing his muscles, Okerlund brings Bagwell back down to Earth by wanting to talk about Rick Steiner and the beat down he gave him two weeks ago, courtesy of a steel chair. Bagwell grimaces and admits that the Television Champion laid him out, but reminds Mean Gene and everyone else that The Stuff is still standing... AND he gave Steiner a taste of his own medicine on Thunder. Through more questioning from Okerlund - talking up the “history” between the two - Buff acknowledges that Rick Steiner is “one hard, tough, S.O.B. And like you said, Gene-O, I would know - I got the surgically repaired neck to prove it!” The two discuss the severely-injured neck Bagwell received from Steiner in 1998, but Bagwell states he has evolved since then - “and now, Gene, I truly am The One With All The Stuff... to be a Champion.” Bagwell is no longer playing in anyone else’s shadow, allowing Okerlund to remind everybody of the time Buff spent serving second fiddle to Scott Steiner. Showing why he is The Stuff, Bagwell boasts he has the looks, the talent, and the drive to succeed - making him the “natural choice” for the “Champion of Nitro and Thunder.”

The proceedings are interrupted by dogs barking, meaning ‘The Dog Faced Gremlin’ Rick Steiner and his hideous jean jacket is on the way out. Steiner gets into the ring, and a scared Okerlund immediately holds up the mic to him. After telling Buff that he’s tired of hearing him yelp, the TV Champ says, “You and I both know you’re second rate, Bagwell. You can’t take me! And if my brother Scott didn’t have a broken back right now, he’d kick your ass too!” The Dog Faced Gremlin accuses Bagwell of being Scott Steiner’s lackey to steal the spotlight, “but there’s no room for you with me! I’m a one-man dog pound, jack, and I’ll kick your ass back to the hospital with another bum neck!” That threat gets Bagwell heated, and he immediately squares up for a fight. Thinking better of that idea on a second thought, he stands down and talks into Okerlund’s mic instead. “Ya’ know, you talk a lotta smack, Rick... and I ain’t buyin’ it! How about you back up all that barkin’ with some actual bite!? I know I can back it up! But can you, Rick, say... at Halloween Havoc?” Bagwell smirks, knowing he has challenged Steiner’s ego and manlihood, so Steiner can do nothing but accept Bagwell’s challenge for the PPV. After a nod of Steiner’s head, Okerlund announces what was already known - Steiner v. Bagwell at Halloween Havoc, TV Title on the line! The two wrestlers jaw without a mic for a few moments, but no punches are exchanged. Instead, Steiner raises his belt into Bagwell’s face and then exits, while Bagwell can only be happy in the ring knowing he got what he wanted - the title shot. [67%]

Let The Games Begin - Part II
Having not been heard of for a while now, Tony Schiavone sends us backstage to get an update on Hulk Hogan after his locker room was trashed, presumably by Sting (Heenan, of course, stresses innocent until proven guilty) at the start of the broadcast. As Schiavone understands it, a new, secure locker room has been found for The Hulkster. The camera shows Hogan walking side-by-side with Head of Security Doug Dillinger, who tells Hogan his men have checked the room and been on the look-out - it’s safe and clear. “Are you sure, brother?” Hogan asks him, clearly startled by Sting and what he’s now capable of. Dillinger re-assures Hogan the locker room is secure, and then leads Hulk past his security into the room. “See, Hulk, everything is...”

Dillinger cuts himself off. Everything is not secure... nor safe. A body, face down, is unconscious on the floor. Hulk Hogan is even more afraid now, and Dillinger demands answers him his team of security, all of whom are mystified by the scene. Almost as if in slow-motion, Hogan turns the body of the victim over, and immediately curses, “That son of a bitch!” The camera quickly gets a shot of the victim, but Hogan fills everyone in too. “Horace...” he weakly says; it’s his nephew, Horace Hogan, and he has been assaulted. A stunned Hogan looks around the room while kneeling over his nephew, and spots all the info and evidence he needs - a black baseball bat rests in the corner of the room. Sting has struck again. [97%]

GOLDBERG versus BRITISH GENTRY
Tony Schiavone says Goldberg has to win this match to keep his chance alive for a match with Diamond Dallas Page, according to DDP. So needless to say, the odds are stacked against him. That doesn’t stop Goldberg from kicking ass of course. After no selling the Brits’ stinging jabs, Da Man quickly plows through the two with running strikes, hard kicks, and whipping the two into the corner to sandwich one another. The final time Goldberg does that, he sends David Taylor into Steven Regal; Taylor falls onto his back and Regal flops onto his front, inadvertently head butting his own partner in the genitalia! Bill Goldberg crushes Taylor with a Spear soon after, but Regal gets pay back for the earlier nut-shot to his partner by low blowing Goldberg on a Jackhammer attempt to Taylor. The Blue Bloods seize the advantage and double team him profusely, the end result a double vertical suplex. The Brits go submission with a double Single Leg Crab - or a two-person Boston Crab, if you will - and while Goldberg shows some pain from the hold, he quickly and all too easily uses his leg strength to push his opponents off of him. Goldberg then fights his way up to his feet, no sells some more, Spears both men, and Jackhammers Taylor. Splat. Win.

“Self High Five”, not “Invasion”, comes on after the match, angering the victor. His rival appears on the entranceway, smirking as he mock applauds the win. Diamond Dallas Page has a mic in hand too, and simply says that Goldberg’s win tonight didn’t impress him at all. “If you want the King of Badda Bing on Pay Per View, you gotta do betta than that, Scumberg!” Page then throws up the Cutter, brings down the bang, and leaves as his music plays again, totally having just written Goldberg off. Pissed, Goldberg copes with his frustration by giving Steven Regal a Jackhammer, much to the crowd’s delight. [63%]

The Outsiders Go To: A Woman’s Bathroom?
The show again cuts away from the arena, and again it is to Atlanta. The production quality dips as the scene seems to be recorded by a hand-held camera. The filmmakers, however, are quite distinguishable - it’s The Outsiders! And they appear to be in... a bathroom!? “Entry number seven - we’ve been here for two-and-a-half hours - only signs of life remain the bomb Scotty dropped earlier. The judge apparently has not had to pee yet... oh, someone’s coming! Get ready, Scott, this could be her!” The camera shakes heavily from movement. The bathroom door opens, and the female judge from earlier walks in... they’re in a ladies restroom for goodness sake! The judge screams in shock at first, but The Outsiders quickly reveal they have no ill intentions and this was the only place they could think of to hopefully find the judge to talk about their “alternatives.” Despite her initial shock and fear, the judge surprisingly agrees to talk to them... in the women’s frickin’ bathroom.

Nash pleads with the judge to find a loophole to get them back into WCW. He claims they started a war when they went to WCW - they have no place else to go - and WCW should have respect for the two men who put the company on the map. “Yeah, and besides banning us,” Hall whines, “Dey won’t give Big Kev any retirement benefits... or a, uh... pension? Yeah, pension! And judge, uh, I mean... Your Honor... ‘dey not helpin’ me out... with uh, my... liver problems.” Nash cries, “It ain’t right!” Instead of looking annoyed or irritated, the judge sadly shakes her head and says she can’t legally do anything to help their situation. “My son, he’s a big fan of yours - loves The Outsiders. So while I can’t do anything about my ruling today, be aware that there are still other ways to get into WCW events... and maybe even back on the active roster.” The judge informs the two she has a few ideas, but she can’t guarantee their success. The Outsiders grin, but the judge instantly becomes very stern. “Now you boys get the hell outta a ladies restroom, or I’ll hold you in contempt of court! ...And besides, you might wanna come out to dinner with me and my son tonight so you can hear some of these ideas.” The judge smiles and walks past the duo and into a stall, while the two men walk out of the bathroom and into a hallway. Just before the camera is turned off, a giddy Hall says, “Hey yo... Outsida’s goin’ be back... in biz-ness!” The camera then cuts to static, and the show returns to Biloxi. [88%]

Let The Games Begin - Part III
As the feed returns to Nitro, the crowd is buzzing as someone walks down the entrance aisle to no entrance music - it’s Hulk Hogan. He is dressed to wrestle, and he is completely pissed off. The Hulkster grabs a mic and yells for Sting to come out here immediately, “So I can kick your ass - right here, right now!” Hogan says Horace has no business in “this,” and demands Sting to “leave my family out of this!” The crowd becomes instantly distracted from Hogan as a Crow again flies down from the rafters to the ring! Hogan is able to control his anger as he rips a note off of the bird’s foot, his fingers trembling the whole time. “What the hell, Sting!? ‘Tell Nick to lock his door’!? LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE! You hear me!?” Hogan continues to yell for Sting to leave his family alone, but the music of ‘The Total Package’ Lex Luger hits, bringing Hogan’s opponent - Sting’s crony - out to the ring. Luger smirks at the sight of the horrified Hogan, who has proven easy prey to Sting’s mind games. [97%]

HULK HOGAN versus LEX LUGER
Hogan can’t shake what has just happened as tonight’s main event starts, and he has no answer to Luger’s offense early on. While Hogan feebly throws right hands, his fear for his family cripples him. Luger all too easily is able to control the match, dominating Hulk with his trademark slow, sloppy brawling style. The match sees The Total Package keep Hogan in the corner often, using so many right hands and kicks. A dreaded back rake results in the action somehow heading to the outside, where Luger continues to target Hogan’s back. Luger repeatedly whips Hogan into the guardrail, side of the ring, and the ring post, stopping only to roll into the ring and back out so the match doesn’t end in a count out. To really drive home the assault, Luger scoops The Hulkster up perpendicular to his body, and drives Hogan’s spine into the ring post! And again! And a third time!

Luger finally rolls Hogan back into the ring, covers, but Hogan gets a shoulder up before three. The kickout motivates the crowd, which in turn sparks Hogan, but any potential Hulk Up is thwarted by a kidney shot and a sidewalk slam! Another cover; another kick out. The domination continues until Luger goes for the kill, picking Hogan up and applying the Torture Rack! “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Hulk Hogan just get demolished like this!” - Tony Schiavone. The Total Package applies his finishing submission hold, and while Hogan yells in pain, he will not tap out, even going as far to yell out a “Hell No” when asked if he wanted to submit. It riles Hogan up, so much that he is able to fight the pain of the Human Torture Rack, shake his arms uncontrollably, and break out of the Torture Rack! Hogan stumbles upon landing, and while his back slows him down, he is un-phased by Luger’s punches, bouncing off the ropes, finger pointing, and yelling a loud, “YOU!” Oh yeah, Hulk Up time!

Hogan blocks a Luger punch, and clocks him three times with big rights! Irish whip... Big Boot to Luger! Grimacing in pain, Hogan hobbles off the ropes... Leg Drop of Doom~! Cover by Hogan! One! Two! Three! Hogan wins! He took one hell of a beating - had to have damaged his back - but the legendary Hulk Hogan won’t lay down! The crowd roars in approval of Hogan’s victory, and the American Made Hero shows signs of the damage done as he needs the ropes to get him up to his feet. He looks like he has to fight back tears, he hurts so bad. It leads to him not noticing his rival enter the ring, Hogan’s back turned to the entrance area as Sting and a baseball bat arrive. The World Heavyweight Champion stands behind Hogan, arms raised to hit Hulk with the bat... but Sting stays motionless, emotionless. Hogan finally turns around, and is startled to see Sting holding the bat in attack mode. It doesn’t take long for Hogan to realize Sting could have ambushed him if he wanted to... but didn’t. Hogan drops his fists, confused by Sting’s play. The two stare each other down until Sting points the tip of the bat at Hogan, sending a clear message to him - he had him tonight... and he let Hulk Hogan live.

Having solidified his mental edge over Hogan, Sting twirls the bat to the canvas and back flips over the ropes to his feet on the outside, just like he did on Thunder over a week ago. Luger joins him on the outside as the two back-step to the back. Hogan stares at them, then the bat, and picks it up off the canvas, clutching it, keeping it for a future point in time. Schiavone quickly ponders if Sting made a grave error by giving Hogan the bat, but Heenan has a rebuttal. “Tony, he almost had Hogan killed by a scorpion, he attacked his nephew, made a threat about his son, and could have laid him out just now... Sting has a reason for EVERYTHING.” [58%]

The Four Horsemen Ceremony
When Monday Nitro returns for its final segment, only Michael Buffer is in the ring, although the squared circle is now covered in red carpet, as well as the entrance aisle. It’s a grand ceremony for the Four Horsemen tonight. Buffer pumps up the crowd - without his “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” shtick - and then introduces the man who will be doing the honors for tonight’s incredible ceremony - ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson. Biloxi gives Arn a great reception as he walks out along the red carpet to no music, but looking fly in a tuxedo. Arn gets in the ring, shakes Buffer’s hand, and takes the microphone from him as Buffer exits the ring.

After standing and soaking up the reception, Double A talks up the rich history of the Four Horsemen, starting all the way back from the beginning, from the days of him, Ole Anderson, JJ Dillon, Tully Blanchard, and of course, the great Ric Flair. “For over fifteen years, the Four Horsemen have by synonymous with the elite of professional wrestling. We rode together, we created chaos... and now the time is here... to do it again!” Anderson is accurate when he remarks that this time a month ago, nobody would have seen this coming. Nobody foretold Arn Anderson and Ric Flair would be back together in WCW, with the Nature Boy getting back into the ring one more time. Nobody foretold the band of horses getting back on the saddle! Nobody saw Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko coming home, and nobody saw Perry Saturn joining a group that creates men and transforms them into stars. “Everyone in this building tonight will be cheering for the Four Horsemen, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - we don’t wear white hats! We’re not good guys! We break the law and all the rules! Because when you’re a Horseman, you’re not some bland somebody - you’re unique. You have been CHOSEN to be a Horseman! THAT’S WHY! And the men that have been chosen to become the next incarnation of the Four Horsemen are going to take their place amongst the royalty of this sport because the simple truth of the matter is that the Four Horsemen are GODS... among men.” Anderson gets close up into the camera and says that the Four Horsemen are the personification of brotherhood and loyalty, and the men coming together here tonight, “will take a knife into the chest for one another, only to have another Horseman take that knife and use it on the enemy.” Anderson then says that to be a Horseman, it will be long days and even longer nights - you have to have commitment to the sport and to each other. “You’re gonna go out, kick somebody’s ass with your brothers, go out and party all night, and then wake up to kick some more ass! That’s being a Horsemen, and we PERSONIFY IT!”

Anderson takes a long pause, letting his powerful words gather meaning to his listeners. After a few moments, he is ready to continue, talking and with the ceremony. “But enough of the history lessons! It’s time for the old guard ta’ shut his mouth and give way... to the FOUR HORSEMEN!” After a big pop from the crowd, a grinning Anderson starts to introduce the four men who will comprise the most illustrious group known to professional wrestling. While Anderson says the majority of the Horsemen are the “new guard” there is one man “who stands against the restraints and confines of time. This man DEFINES what it means to be a Horseman - the drive, the respect, the work ethic, the TALENT! He ain’t gonna stand back and be held down anymore, either!” Arn labels the First Horseman just like the new guard because of this, and finally says, “It is my distinct honor ta’ introduce, my best friend... THE Horseman, RIC FLAIR!”

With his own theme music playing, ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair walks out from the back with an ear-to-ear grin on his face. Forget the Armani suit; tonight is tuxedo night! Naitch bows to the fans as he walks down the aisle and into the ring, the capacity Buloxi crowd doing the same to him. Tony Schiavone points out that Flair is the First Horseman, not the Fourth, in this re-union, and that the guard truly is changing. After an embrace between Flair and Anderson, the ceremony continues as he next introduces a man that personified what it meant to be a Horseman when Arn Anderson once forgot what it meant to be one - the best technical wrestler he’s ever met - Dean Malenko! The Ice Man also comes out in a tuxedo, a big grin on his face as well. Anderson goes to talk on Malenko more, again touting his in-ring ability before saying, “This man, this right here, this is heart. In a time when I thought the Four Horsemen would never come back last year, when I thought Ric Flair would never come back, when I thought I didn’t even want to be a part of wrestling anymore - this man changed it all! And now, Dean, here we are once again. You put your skepticism to the side, and you can count on ol’ Arn Anderson when I say: things will be different this time!” Anderson then introduces the third Horseman, “and this man, he may just turn out to be a better Enforcer than yours truly! You people want hard hitting!? This man’s got it! You want work ethic!? This man’s got it!” Anderson makes several great connections to himself and the next Horseman before introducing Perry Saturn. From drag to this, the no-nonsense grappler walks out from the back in a suit with no tie, Saturn walks out from the back without the grin, but his happiness is still evident as he enters the ring and shakes hands with everyone else.

“And now it’s time,” Arn roars, “it is TIME! You know who he is! This man has gone to war with Arn Anderson. He has gone to war with Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn. He has gone to war with the Nature Boy. You want pound-for-pound the best wrestler in the world today? Then no look no farther than right here, inside the camp of the Four Horsemen. This is the face of the revolution of professional wrestling, no poor puns intended. I may have never won a World Title in mah day, and neither has he... but mark my words, he WILL be a World Champion! He is THE MAN to break your glass ceiling! He is CHRIS BENOIT!”

To signify the unity of the new Four Horsemen, the Fourth and final Horseman comes out not to individual music like everyone else did, but the official theme of the Four Horsemen. The Crippler’s toothy smile is a Hallmark moment as he joins the group in the ring, embracing with Ric Flair, and then Arn and the rest of the group. Despite Anderson’s implications that Benoit is essentially the new face of the group, it is the longtime leader, Flair, who takes the microphone from Anderson after the embraces and the sentimental hoopla. “Missouri, I got just one thing to say... WOOOOOO!” Flair claims that all four members of the Four Horsemen have been denied in some capacity throughout their time in WCW, “but the suppression ends here! Wrongs... they’ve been righted, baby. The Naitcha Boy is headin’ back to the top! Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko are headin’ to the top! And Chris Benoit... Chris, you’re heading to the top of this sport! We all belong at the TOP of professional wrestling, and you can be damn sure that the Four Horsemen are gonna ride to it! WOO!” Benoit and Flair embrace again, and just as Naitch prepares to hand the mic off to Benoit, the PA comes back on.

Are you ready... FOR A REVOLUTION!?

The ring is filled with anger, the arena boos, as out from the back - in a Revolution t-shirt - is ‘The Franchise’ Shane Douglas. While Benoit, Malenko, and Saturn all look ready for a fight as Douglas, a cocky grin on his face, strolls down the red carpet in the aisle and enters the ring. It is Ric Flair, the man who has been at the root of all the problems involving Shane Douglas over the past month, who plays neutral, de-escalating the Horsemen from doing just what the Horsemen do best - attack their enemy in numbers. Instead, Flair simply yells at Douglas without a mic, “what in the Hell are you doing out here!?”

After taking a few moments to just laugh, a tactic that gets even Flair’s blood boiling, Douglas pulls a microphone out of his back pocket and says that he’s here to crash the party because, “simply put, I REFUSE to sit in the back and listen to this fake sentimental bullCRAP! I sat and watch two old geezers way past their prime talk about the ‘new guard’ of professional wrestling, and being held down and all of this other crap... yet WCW rolls out the God damned red freakin’ carpet for you! Arn Anderson and Ric Flair, two of the biggest names EVER in professional wrestling, got the BALLS to talk about being held down, about not being able to break the glass ceiling. I have been held down; those three other guys haven’t broken through the glass ceiling!” As Douglas rants, he reminds the men in the ring of the group that was specifically designed to get Benoit, Malenko, Saturn, and himself to the top, “where I actually agree with you, Flair - that’s where we belong... at the top. But not you! The Revolution was ready to break through to the elite of professional wrestling... and then along came Ric Flair.” Douglas, his hatred for Flair fueling him, claims that Flair has come back just to hold down the three other Horsemen. “These men should have already broken that proverbial glass ceiling we speak of so much... but you never let it happen! You HELD DOWN Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko! You used two of the best wrestlers in this sport as your own personal bodyguards and servants for your own petty wars with Eric frickin’ Bischoff! You allowed Perry Saturn to have to wrestle in a God damn DRESS while you were President! But you actually give a damn about Perry!? You think he has what it takes to be an elite professional wrestler? You’re a bold faced liar, Flair... but apparently I’m the only one who sees through any of your charades.”

As Douglas pauses to catch his breath from his passionate ranting, Benoit seizes the rare moment of silence to tell Douglas to step off, and that tonight is their night... not his. Shane Douglas, however, refuses. “No way, Chris! You may have socked me one in the jaw, but trust me, Crippler, I don’t fear you! Hell, I still love you like a brother! I would take you back into The Revolution in a heart beat! All of you! Because there’s somethin’ I don’t think any of you understand... The Revolution is not a stable of disgruntled men fed up with the politics of the corporation that holds them down in the dump. A Revolution is an IDEA, and you can’t kill... an idea.” Trying to repeat Benoit’s message, Ric Flair steps up again, telling Shane to leave the ring before things start to get ugly. Wanting to drive his point home, Flair removes his cuff links and rolls up his sleeves. Feeding off of their leader, Benoit, Saturn, and Malenko do the same, preparing for a fight. Douglas takes a step backwards at first, but then boldly takes two steps forwards, getting almost nose-to-nose with Ric Flair.

“...Ugly, huh? It’s ironic that you say that, Flair... because that’s exactly how I intended tonight to go. You see, just like I said, The Revolution... it ain’t dead. Flair, The Revolution... it’s only just beginning!” Douglas’ cryptic statement causes confusion from Flair. Looking puzzled and shaking his head, Flair goes to respond.

BUT IS AMBUSHED! WHAT THE HELL!? Chris Benoit blindsides Flair with a forearm to the back of the head! Perry Saturn does the same to Arn Anderson! Dean Malenko starts stomping at the back of Ric Flair’s head! This has all been a set-up!

With the crowd irate, furiously and emphatically jeering what is going on in the ring, a laughing Shane Douglas joins Malenko and Saturn in kicking the fallen Ric Flair, stomping his back and head into the canvas, while Chris Benoit does the same thing to the retired Anderson. The four men quickly leave Flair and Anderson down on their stomachs, motionless from the beating they’ve been given. As Shane Douglas laughs again, Benoit, Malenko, and Saturn remove their dress coats and shirts... to reveal a Revolution t-shirt, the same exact shirt on Shane Douglas. The Revolution is truly alive.

The united Revolution all embrace on the red carpet, the four men doing so over the prone Nature Boy. Chris Benoit simply grins into the camera, only to turn on his side and deliver another hard kick to Flair's ribs. Malenko does the same to Arn Anderson, while Shane Douglas shoves his face right into the camera, his trademark laugh all that the viewers can here. As Tony Schiavone - and even Bobby Heenan - talk on in disgust about the swerve The Revolution have just pulled off over Flair and Anderson, Monday Nitro ends with the re-formation not of the illustrious Four Horsemen... but of the militant Revolution, the foursome having just done something so heinous, that Tony Schiavone declares has “just shattered the entirety of that glass ceiling!" The final shot of Monday Nitro is The Revolution once again standing over Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, the foursome raising each others' arms into the air in triumph over their coup [86%]

WCW’s B-show is back to a live edition of Thunder tonight, and as usual, ‘The Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko and ‘The Professor’ Mike Tenay are at the broadcast booth at ringside to call all of tonight’s action. The two announcers are quick to talk about Halloween Havoc as the show gets underway, officially confirming the main event for the pay per view as Hulk Hogan will cash-in on. his rematch clause to challenge Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Title! Zbyszko quickly moves on to current events, more specifically Monday Nitro when The Four Horsemen re-union turned out to be nothing more than a scam for The Revolution to attack Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, publicly humiliating two of WCW’s greatest icons. But tonight on Thunder, the leader behind the plot, Shane Douglas, will step into the ring against veteran Barry Horowitz! And Tenay hypes up tonight’s main event - Goldberg versus New Jersey Triad member Bam Bam Bigelow, and remember, Goldberg must win his match to earn the right to face rival Diamond Dallas Page at Halloween Havoc. But first, Mike Tenay wants to call cruiserweight action...

EVAN KARAGIAS versus JUVENTUD GUERRERA
The action kicks off with a #1 contender’s match for the Cruiserweight Title, as Mike Tenay announces the winner of this match will face Lenny Lane at Halloween Havoc for the belt. Larry Zbyszko points out Juvi Guerrera has lost twice already in matches involving Karagias, and should be lucky to get this chance – but the third time is the charm, after all. The Juice knows his luck, and brings his ‘A’ game, dominating Karagias throughout the match. Whether he flies high or uses a mat-based approach, Guerrera is always in firm control, and the young blue chipper just never seems to have an answer to Juventud’s offense. The one thing he does have though is resiliency, which helps him to kick out after pin after pin attempt. The corn-rowed youngster does fight his way back into the match eventually, but only after getting his knees up on Guerrera’s 450 Splash attempt. Taking the first opening he can get, Karagias almost actually grabs the win with a hurricanrana into a pin, but The Juice kicks out moments before three. Not wanting to get on the defensive, the experienced Guerrera rakes Karagias’ eyes to reverse the momentum, powerbombs him, and exits to the apron. The Juice springboards off the third rope as Karagias gets to his feet – Cross Body Block! Karagias rolls through it into a pin! One! Two! Three! Yet again – out of nowhere – Evan Karagias takes a beating but somehow scores a victory, and now he’ll challenge for the Cruiserweight Title on Pay Per View! The youngster celebrates the occasion with that in mind, literally jumping for joy at one point. Juventud Guerrera ,meanwhile, storms up the aisle, another tantrum on the way as he whines and stomps his feet. It leaves all the focus on Karagias and his celebrations in the ring, and boy does he deserve it after the month he’s had. [64%]

Filthy Riding
Thunder cuts to the back where rarely used Scott Hudson is backstage at the interview area, standing by with the whole group of the Filthy Animals. Eddy. Guerrero takes center stage by commenting that the four men are brothers - in the ring and out. So while they may not have all been appearing together lately, they’ve got each other’s back. Konnan does some hyping for the group as well, shilling up Guerrero’s match with Sid at Halloween Havoc and calls for Billy Kidman and Rey Mysterio to get title shots at the Pay Per View. He says Rey Mysterio is gonna do up Barry Windham and Hugh Morrus tonight as well. Konnan is then asked about any leads on the voice that has been haunting his matches, but K-Dawg has no answers. All he knows is that someone’s a freaking stalker, and he gets phone calls, letters, and e-mails that somehow can’t be traced. But when this person shows his face, Konnan promises an ass kicking! After shouting off some Spanish, little Rey-Rey calls he and Kidman the smallest tag team in WCW, but also the best team. Kidman feels they’re worthy of a title shot.

The interview then focuses back on Guerrero, who isn’t impressed by Sid’s bully tactics. Guerrero announces he’ll represent not just himself, but the Guerrero name and the history of Lucha Libre at Halloween Havoc when he meets Sid - that tradition means a whole lot more than a crooked undefeated streak... so Sid better be ready to kiss the streak “adios”. Eddy then challenges Sid, the First Family, and the West Texas Rednecks. to a match on Nitro against the Filthy Animals and Chavo Guerrero because the Filthy Animals roll together, and an enemy of one is an enemy of all. Konnan once again leans into the mic and yells in Spanish as Thunder cuts to its first commercial break of the evening. [89%]

BARRY HOROWITZ versus SHANE DOUGLAS (w/The Revolution)
The Revolution are out together for their leader’s match against the veteran Horowitz, and the group all have Revolution shirts on tonight, reminding everyone they are united, and all of their dissension and break-up was a mere ruse to embarrass and humiliate Ric Flair. Tenay and Zbyszko spend the whole match talking about the swerve Douglas and The Revolution threw at Flair, Arn Anderson, and really all of WCW on Monday when they revealed the Four Horsemen reunion was all a set-up. The match itself is a short squash, as Horowitz gets in very little offense as Douglas makes quick work of him and finishes him off with the Pittsburgh Plunge. Immediately after the match, Malenko and Benoit slide a table into the ring and the whole group enters the ring to kick the beaten Horowitz. The table gets set up as Perry Saturn sits on the top turnbuckle, and The Revolution then feed the veteran to him – SIT-OUT POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE! How uncalled for! Barry Horowitz looks broken in half as he was just driven through a table from the top turnbuckle! [55%]

It’s a Revolution
As The Revolution laugh at what they’ve just done, Gene Okerlund comes out from the back, talking down the aisle about what the group just did. Okerlund calls it disgusting what they did to a helpless Horowitz, and it wasn’t needed. As he enters the ring, Mean Gene demands an explanation about why they did that to Horowitz, and why they fooled Flair, stabbing him in the back and attacking the Nature Boy. In response, Perry Saturn almost attacks Okerlund, shouting to give them the respect they’ve earned. Shane Douglas tells Okerlund that Barry Horowitz was a bystander, a needed casualty on The Revolution’s path to the top – an example had to be made. The re-united group takes control of the interview as Dean Malenko snatches the mic out of Okerlund’s hand and gives it over to Chris Benoit. The Crippler states that he and everyone else associated with The Revolution have been a focal point of Thunder and Saturday Night for far too long – if Gene Okerlund wants to hear from The Revolution about Ric Flair, the Four Horsemen, or anything at all, he’ll have to wait until Monday Nitro, the show they belong on. Benoit then slams the mic down to the canvas while Saturn postures at Okerlund, threatening him with violence. Malenko adds an icy stare to the interviewer, but the camera shot is on The Franchise as he gives a trademark laugh into the ringside camera. The group then exit the ring in unison, walking to the back as their theme music proudly plays again. Mike Tenay is in shock and disgust on commentary, especially in regards to the actions of Malenko and Benoit, while Zbyszko is thankful that EMTs are on the way to assist the broken Horowitz. The Revolution are back, and they mean business. [82%]

Fear
Thunder cuts to the back – for a rare promo from outside the locker room of Goldberg! Not dressed to wrestle yet in jenas and an Atlanta Falcons hoodie, Da Man dictates Scott Hudson’s interview, saying he can’t wait for his match with Page’s lackey tonight because he is tired of Diamond Dallas Page’s crap. Goldberg makes it clear that he thinks DDP is a scared little coward, and goes one step further when he says, “Page fears Goldberg!” Goldberg doesn’t care what trials and tribulations DDP tries to put him through to get his match with him at Halloween Havoc because it will all be worth it by the time the Pay Per View rolls around. Goldberg ends the short promo by yelling that Bam Bam Bigelow is officially on notice, and Goldberg is in the mood to not just win tonight – but do some damage. “Bigelow, YOU’RE NEXT!” Goldberg then barges back into his locker room, the interview over now that Da Man has said what he needed to say.

BARRY WINDHAM (w/West Texas Rednecks) versus HUGH MORRUS (w/First Family) versus REY MYSTERIO JR.
All three of these men have defeated the current Tag Team Champions with their respective partners as of late, so a singles win could help solidify one team’s advantage in the race to challenge Harlem Heat for the belts at Halloween Havoc, which Tenay reminds us is only a week and a half away. Mysterio, the only man without help at ringside (which is odd after the Filthy Animals promo earlier in the night about unity), finds himself falling to a double team from his two opponents early on, the heels teaming up to keep the high flyer grounded. It works to perfection, as even when Mysterio is able to fight back and subdue one man with an acrobatic maneuver, the other big man thwarts him from getting a distinct advantage right after. The heels eventually come to blows after an argument over who gets to pin Mysterio after a Windham Superplex. As Windham and Morrus have a slugfest, it allows Rey-Rey to recuperate and then attack, hitting Windham with a swinging DDT and Morrus a hurricanrana. Mysterio is able to knock down both men repeatedly with his high flying attacks, although the veteran Windham catches him on a springboard cross body attempt, and proceeds to viciously lawn dart him over the ropes to the outside! As Windham taunts about his actions afterwards, Morrus blindsides him with a running forearm – and hits a belly-to-back suplex! With his opponent(s) down, Morrus ascends to the top – No Laughing Matter! Morrus connects with his big Moonsault, covers, and grabs the victory!

The rest of the First Family get into the ring after the match to celebrate, but Curt Hennig and his Rednecks do too, confronting Jimmy Hart’s gang. The two teams argue and exchange some heated words, but cooler heads prevail and the West Texas Rednecks leave the ring while the Family celebrates the win. On the outside, Mysterio is slow to get up, and eventually has to be helped to the back by a security member; Mike Tenay seems concerned that he has a head injury after the hard throw and fall from Barry Windham. Zbyszko astutely points out that it’s hard for a team to earn a title shot if one-half of the team is out injured! [74%]

Dance Dance Revolution
Standing in for Gene Okerlund backstage is Scott Hudson, who is interviewing Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller – lavishly dressed, as always – and Sonny Onoo. The Cat immediately begins to trash talk Norman Smiley for “ambushing” him last week on Thunder “like a common criminal.” Miller is even more disgusted about the fact that Smiley and Disco Inferno had the audacity to dance after Smiley’s cowardly attack – The Cat went right to the back and vomited! As Hudson tries to interject with a question about Smiley making Miller submit to the Crossface Chickenwing last week on Thunder during their altercation, Onoo answers by shifting the topic away from the question, instead claiming that The Cat is the greatest dancer in WCW. After vehement agreement, The Cat boasts that he is going to back that statement up as he is officially challenging Norman Smiley to a dance-off on Monday Nitro – to prove once and for all that The Cat is better than “Norman Frown-ay”. Miller dares Smiley to show up and get humiliated by his sweet dancing skills, and then yells for somebody to call his momma, “’cause I’m the greatest!” The two now in an excellent mood, Miller and Onoo walk off all smiles, dancing their way out of the interview to do whatever in the hell it is that they do. [75%]

SID VICIOUS versus LOS VILLANOS & SUPER CALO
As Sid’s feud with Eddy Guerrero continues, The Millennium Man also continues to destroy other wrestlers with Mexican backgrounds. Los Villanos weren’t enough last week, so this week he crushes Super Calo too – because why not? As Sid mows through all 3 Luchadores with relative ease, Larry Zbyszko and Mike Tenay talk up the feud with Guerrero and Sid’s streak – “Like it or not, legitimate or illegitimate, Sid has made himself a force to be reckoned with.” After Los Villanos fall to a double Chokeslam, a Powerbomb to Super Calo finishes the squash off. 3 different pin falls registered, 3 victories added to Sid’s undefeated streak, making him now 99-0. After Lil Naitch raises his arm in victory, Sid stares into the camera and yells that this is Eddy’s fate at Halloween Havoc before reminding us that Sid is the Master and Ruler of the World.. Zbyszko fears that Guerrero will make 100-0 when the two meet up – no one has been able to stop Sid yet. [53%]

Confident Fruit Booties
‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is in the ring and calls out his guest for the segment – two men who have been on a losing streak as of late in WCW, the company’s Tag Team Champions, Harlem Heat. Okerlund gets right to it when he reminds the brothers that they have lost to the Filthy Animals, West Texas Rednecks, and First Family in succession, leaving doubt as to who the number one contenders are – and if Harlem Heat even deserve to be Champions! Stevie Ray doesn’t hide from the truth when he admits to their poor run of form, but calmly states that Harlem Heat have lost a lot of matches in their career, but they’ve won a whole lot more. They’re 9-time Tag Champs; they’ve made their mark by taking on any and all Fruit Booties… and winning. Booker T chimes in by saying that they have confidence in each other as a team because they both know they can turn up the heat – and they will on Pay Per View when the belts are on the line. With that said, Okerlund asks if the Championship Committee has given them any indication as to which of the three teams will challenge them at Halloween Havoc. Grinning, Stevie Ray responds by saying they’ve already spoken to the committee: based off of recent events, Harlem Heat want ot face ALL THREE teams at Halloween Havoc, and that’s just what is gonna happen! Booker tells Mean Gene to dig it and that the high flyers, the cowboys, and Jimmy Hart’s Freak Family are all “sucka’s”… sucka’s who ain’t got a chance in Harlem of winning the belts at Halloween Havoc. Stevie Ray then mugs for the camera and calls the three teams Fruit Booties again as Okerlund shills the 4-team match made for the Pay Per View. [76%]

THE WALL (w/Berlyn & Uda) versus VAN HAMMER (w/Jim Duggan)
A 2x4 and an American Flag t-shirt has the crowd chanting “USA” as Van Hammer and The Wall go to war with a very sloppy brawling match. With three people at ringside, the focus by the commentators is on the feud and not the match – which is a good thing. The Wall is able to crush Hammer early on with his big size advantage helping him add more to his big punches. Jim Duggan. gets the crowd motivated on the outside, and an additional chant of “USA, USA” gets the now-patriotic Van Hammer back into the match. Feeding off of the crowd’s energy, Hammer gets The Wall reeling after big right hands and a scoop slam. He then runs off the ropes – right into a cane shot to the back! Berlyn just leveled Van Hammer with his cane! Referee Scott Dickenson calls for the disqualification, and Berlyn and Jim Duggan both immediately enter the ring as the foiled match breaks down into a two-team brawl. The war between USA and Germany pans out with constant rights and lefts, neither team ever able to gain an upper hand on the other. Doug Dillinger’s team of security arrive in time to break up the melee, the Americans having to be restrained while the Krauts escape from the ring and back-step up the aisle. The fight separated, Berlyn at least continues the war with his words, shouting at the American duo in his native German tongue. Mike Tenay is definitely accurate when he says this war isn’t close to being over yet. [56%]

A Failed Concept
When Thunder returns, ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is standing in the ring for the final time tonight because apparently he needs to talk to two men who are terrorizing World Championship Wrestling - especially the great Hulk Hogan - ‘The Total Package’ Lex Luger and the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Sting. The two men come out - Luger in street clothes and Sting in his wrestling attire and trench coat, despite not being on the card tonight - to the ring, and Okerlund boldly declares he is calling them out! Okerlund says he does not understand why Sting has turned his back on his fans, and why he has suddenly become silent in the face of these questions and criticisms. Mean Gene holds the mic to Sting’s face, but he blankly stares at Okerlund in complete silence. Okerlund bluntly tells Sting that the people deserve answers from him; Sting stays silent in his response, but his look is an icy glare the the legendary interviewer. He doesn’t have to talk to show he didn’t like that question - Larry Zbyszko says that must be the first emotion of any sort that Sting has shown in a month. Trying to get at least some sort of answer on anything, Okerlund then asks Sting how he feels about having to defend the WCW World Heavyweight Title against Hulk Hogan at Halloween Havoc in ten days time, but yet again, the Crow has only silence as an answer.

Lex Luger interrupts the proceedings, taking the microphone and declaring that Sting doesn’t have to anyone, especially someone as pathetic and unimportant as Gene Okerlund. When Sting wants to talk, he will.... but Sting doesn’t have a word to say to anyone here tonight. Luger moves on to get cheap heat by insulting the crowd, but Okerlund doesn’t want to hear that, so he brings up their plans for Nick Hogan - and the threatening messages delivered to Hulk Hogan on Monday Nitro about his son. After a long pause, the Total Package simply laughs and eventually says Hulk ain’t gonna like Monday too well. Luger goes one step further by warning Hogan to “keep Nick close by”, laughing all the while. Disgusted by this, Okerlund rounds on Sting once again, demanding - begging - him to say why he has turned this dark corner. Silence. There is no response from the Stinger.

Okerlund doesn’t quit, saying that these people deserve answers, and Okerlund is going to keep badgering Sting until he speaks, no matter how long it takes. This draws a response from Sting, albeit a nonverbal one. The World Heavyweight Champion points his bat directly at Okerlund’s face, only to let it calmly drop to the canvas at his feet. Sting then turns and faces the entrance, so his back is facing Okerlund and the vast majority of the fans in attendance. He stands like this for several seconds, ignoring the audience, and then exiting the ring, walking away from Okerlund and his questions. Lex Luger laughs and joins his pal in departing from the ring, leaving Mean Gene to tell the crowd he will continue to try and interview Sting - everyone deserves an answer from Sting because these new behaviors don’t make any sense to him. On commentary, Tenay and Zbyszko both agree with Okerlund about Sting’s silent transformation as the show cuts to one more commercial break. [94%]

BAM BAM BIGELOW (w/New Jersey Triad) versus GOLDBERG
As Goldberg finishes making his entrance and the match just about to begin, Diamond Dallas Page hops on the mic and announces that if Goldberg really wants to prove his worthiness for a match at Halloween Havoc, he now has to defeat Bigelow in a Hardcore Match! This results in Chris Kanyon attacking Goldberg from behind with a steel chair as the bell rings, and the match quickly becomes nothing more than a glorified handicap match as The Triad savagely attack ‘Berg from the get-go. DDP joins in on commentary, ignoring Larry Zbyszko’s statements of disgust at his arrival and instead over-hyping his two lackeys while trashing Goldberg as overrated. Having an extreme background, Bigelow uses the new stipulation to his advantage, hitting Goldberg with a chair several times, and denting a trash can over his head.

Despite taking a beating, Da Man constantly tries to fight back. He always gets in some offense - at one point even delivering a Spear to Kanyon - but then falls to the numbers. The two Triad flunkies do their job to assault and maim Goldberg, using various weapons for added effect. Kanyon eventually sets a table up in the corner, but before it can be used, DDP interjects himself, tossing a pair of handcuffs to Kanyon. As Bam Bam Bigelow holds up a steel chair, Kanyon tries to cuff Goldberg to the ropes so the Triad can put him out of commission - but Goldberg headbutts Kanyon! Goldberg ducks a Bigelow chair shot, and hits a nice hook kick! Kanyon tries to charge Da Man, but runs right into a Spear! Da Man is the one standing tall and he picks up the fallen steel chair, jabs Triple B in the ribs with it, and then swings the chair sideways to deliver another chair shot to his ribs! Looking right at Diamond Dallas Page, as if begging him to intervene, Goldberg drags Kanyon to the ropes... and handcuffs him to them! Laughing, Goldberg grabs the steel chair, and drives it over the skull of Chris Kanyon! What a hit~!

Diamond Dallas Page looks like he’s just been slapped across the face - his plan has backfired and his lackeys are getting manhandled! Really holding his ribs from the chair shots, Bigelow slowly pulls himself up to his feet in the corner... but Goldberg comes charging - SPEAR... THROUGH THE TABLE!! The crowd’s not used to this kind of violence, but they love it! Goldberg, having laid out. both lackeys of The Triad, pulls Bigelow out of the wreckage of the table, covers, and gets the pin fall for the successful victory. Surveying his damage - Kanyon and Bigelow both seemingly unconscious - Goldberg motions to Page to come fight him, sarcastically yelling, “Have I earned it yet!?” Page’s plan to get Goldberg down and injured has gone completely wrong; he’s sacred as can be. Risking being called a coward, Page back-steps up the aisle - away from Goldberg and his challenge to a fight - looking totally intimidated of Da Man. Thunder comes to a close with Goldberg standing tall in the ring, having narrowed his war with The Triad down to just one man... Diamond Dallas Page. [76%]

Tony Schiavone and Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan welcome us to the final Monday Nitro before Halloween Havoc, which according to Fat Tony, could somehow be one of the greatest Pay Per Views in the history of our sport because of the legendary main event between Hulk Hogan and the new, silent, lethal Sting. There is quick talk of Sting’s mind games last week over Hogan - sending a scorpion on him, taking out his nephew, Horace, and a cryptic note about his son, Nick. “But that all could have been trumped by Shane Douglas coming out to ruin the ceremony of the Four Horsemen... and Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn all attacking thee Ric Flair and Arn Anderson, revealing it all to be a facade!” The Brain can’t wait to hear from The Revolution tonight about that, and says that he gained a lot of respect for Douglas and co. to have the (testicular) fortitude to play a dirty one over the dirtiest player in the game in the Nature Boy. But who cares about talking!? There is wrestling to get under way! ...But seriously, how could they not hype up tonight’s Dance Off between Ernest ‘The Cat’ Miller and Norman Smiley!?

FILTHY ANIMALS & CHAVO GUERRERO JR. versus SID, WINDHAM BROTHERS, CURT HENNIG, & FIRST FAMILY (w/Jimmy Hart)
Nitro gets set to kick off with actual wrestling, a surprise if there ever was one. However, there is a change to the scheduled match as it is announced by Schiavone that Sid, unstable and psychotic, did not check in for tonight’s show so Curt Hennig is stepping in to help his West Texas Rednecks team. Despite having confrontations over the past few weeks (and the fact that they’ll be opponents this Sunday with the WCW Tag Team Titles on the line), the First Family and the Rednecks are able to put aside their differences and try to co-exist as a team for the match. However, they are no match for the chemistry of the Animals, and the face team are in rhythm for most of the match, hitting double team maneuvers and tagging in and out quickly. The speed of their attack is too much for the big, slow opponents they are facing, which leads to the unity of the Rednecks and Family to slowly break down with arguments in the corner when a wrestler from another side isn’t doing well. Chavo and Eddy Guerrero hit slingshot planchas to Hugh Morrus and Brian Knobs at one point, while Rey Mysterio and Billy Kidman have double near falls with hurricanranas.

As the match looks like an inevitable win for the Filthy Animals, a wildcard shows up in the form of Sid Vicious. “Hey, better late than never!” Bobby Heenan exclaims, laughing. Sid marches down the ramp unbeknownst to all as the match starts to break down with Eddy, Kidman, Konnan, Hennig, Kendall Windham, and Morrus all in the ring brawling. With referee Johnny Boone distracted, he has no clue to Sid pulling Chavo Guerrero off the apron - and THROWING him into the ring steps! Oh my God! Chavo smacks off the steel, shaking the steps as he plops to the ground. Sid grins psychotically. at what he’s done, but Eddy Guerrero sees it from the ring, and responds - suicide dive to Sid! Eddy tackles Sid to the floor on the fall, and starts pummeling him with lefts and rights!

Boone does see this act, and turns his attention away from the match to lean through the ropes and try to yell at Guerrero and Sid. With the official distracted, Jimmy Hart makes his presence felt, grabbing his megaphone and tossing it to Knobs. The former Nasty Boy takes the weapon, and uses it to smack Kendall Windham - his own partner - in the back of the head! They’re opponents on Sunday, and Knobs is looking to strike an early advantage ahead of Halloween Havoc! That brings the ring action to a halt, as Barry Windham and Curt Hennig see the assault, and charge their own partners, Knobs and Morrus. As the four men start to exchange punches, Billy Kidman shrugs his shoulders and pins Windham as Konnan gets Boone’s attention. The referee, confused as to why four men on the same team are fighting, counts the pin anyways, and the Filthy Animals are victorious in this chaotic opener.

The chaos continues though because despite the bell ringing, the West Texas Rednecks and the First Family continue to exchange blows in the ring, while Eddy and Sid, both men now standing, trade furious rights and lefts in the entrance aisle. With Chavo still down outside the ring, Konnan, Kidman, and Mysterio decide to join in on the fun, entering the brawl in the ring with the First Family and Rednecks. Ring announcer Dave Penzer has the timekeeper continue to ring the bell with the antics ongoing, and this brings out Head of Security Doug Dillinger and his mob of yellow-shirted security guards. As Tony Schiavone screams about the pandemonium, the security team set their sights on the ring, trying to separate the seven-man brawl in the ring... which is broken up quite easily. The same cannot be said on the outside, as Eddy Guerrero is so fired up that four security guards have to pull him away from the reaches of Sid, who simply laughs at the scene. With security still having to be active to keep everyone away from each other, Schiavone sends Nitro to a break to allot for more time to regain and maintain order. [73%]

The Hogan Family
Despite Fat Tony’s request for a commercial break, Monday Nitro cuts to the back, or more correctly, the parking lot. Stepping out of a stretch limo is Hulk Hogan, but the number one contender is not alone, as his nephew Horace - recovered from last week’s attack by Sting - and Hulk’s nine-year old son, Nick, who has become a target of Sting’s in his attempts to toy with Hogan’s mind. Little Nick carries a black baseball bat in his hands as the three men walk to the arena’s entrance, presumably the same bat that Sting left in the ring for Hogan at the end of last week’s Nitro. As the Hogans walk into the arena, Hulk reassures his charges that they will be kept safe tonight, ‘cause The Hulkster “is ready to kick Sting’s ASS, brother!” Little Nick excitedly tells Hulk that he’s going to win back the Title on Sunday, but the conversation goes no further as Hogan enthusiast ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund has already tracked down Hogan to deliver urgent news. Apparently there has been a change to the schedule, Mean Gene says, and now Hulk will be teaming up with Horace in the main event to take on Sting and Lex Luger!

Rather than be frustrated by the change and how it could affect his son’s safety, The Hulkster grins. “Good, Mean Gene! Tonight brother, Hulkamania’s gonna run wild and kick some ass, dude! Forget Halloween Havoc, jack, Sting’s ass is mine... tonight!” Knowing that Mean Gene is a trusted friend, Hogan has Okerlund agree to watch Nick during the match tonight so no “funny business” occurs. Little Nick isn’t worried though, as he points out to his dad that Sting will be in the ring with Hogan, so there is no way he can do anything. Hulk thanks Okerlund for the message, claps his nephew on the shoulder, and ends the segment by saying, “Tonight, Horace, you get to show the world that the Hogans know best ‘cause Hulkamania is gonna run wild... right next to Horamania, brother!” [89%]

EVAN KARAGIAS versus LODI (w/Lenny Lane)
Instead of being Lodi’s cheerleader tonight right outside of the ring, the WCW Cruiserweight Champion joins Tony and The Brain on commentary for the match, giving him ample opportunity to talk about his “beautiful relationship” with Lodi - oh, and his match with Karagias for the Cruiserweight Title on Sunday. If WCW’s Standards and Practice wasn’t already under enough pressure for the homosexuality of the gimmick, Lenny’s dubious commentary and Lodi’s sign of “Evan’s not the only one going down on Sunday..." surely won’t improve matters. The young Karagias and his beautiful corn rows get the chance to have a lot of offense in a match for once, giving Lenny the chance to scout his opposition. While Lodi is able to evade a springboard diving clothesline and work over Karagias at a slower pace, the blue chipper for once doesn’t spend all match getting his ass kicked. The youngster fights out of the corner with right hands, and eventually gets up onto the turnbuckles to hit Lodi with a Tornado DDT. That gets the ex-Flock member reeling, and Karagias soon heads all the way to the top and hits a Flying Elbow Drop to score the victory in a rather impressive fashion.

As Karagias celebrates the win afterwards, the Cruiserweight Champion tries to sneak into the ring behind him for an ambush. Taking off his Title Belt, Lenny charges from behind (pun intended) and hits Karagias with the belt... but he ducks it! The youngster somehow saw it coming! That throws Lenny off, and he turns around into a kick to the mid-section - and a DDT onto the Title Belt! Lenny dropped the gold from the kick, and Karagias drives his face into it! The youngster quickly rolls out of the ring after the spot, avoiding the wrath of the recuperated Lodi. As Karagias grins and raises his arms up in celebration in the entrance aisle, Lodi holds Lenny’s head in his lap, hysterically screaming for help because Lenny’s nose may be broken. Schiavone cannot believe the outlandish pair, and sends the show off to another break so the viewers don’t have to see Lodi’s hysterics. [72%]

The Revolution
When Monday Nitro returns, ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is standing in the middle of the ring. Okerlund’s focus is not on tonight - but last week - as he starts to talk, reminding fans last week’s Nitro was supposed to be the start of something legendary because the Four Horsemen were set to re-unite and ride together yet again. “But as you all know, that did not happen! Three of those would-be Horsemen were never just that, Four Horsemen! They belonged to a different group all along, and they revealed last week that everything that has gone on between Ric Flair, Shane Douglas, Chris Benoit, and The Revolution... to be nothing more than a scam. I demanded answers on Thunder, ladies and gentlemen, but I was told I had to wait until tonight. Well fans, I am tired of waiting for an answer, and I know all of you are too. So without further adieu, it is time for The Revolution to make their way out to this ring, please.” Okerlund, continuing to assert himself as someone who isn’t going to cower away from evil-doers in WCW, calls out The Revolution, and out they come from the back to a tremendous amount of boos from the Philadelphia crowd. They all have ties to the city through ECW, but that means nothing to the fans here tonight. All four men have the same matching black Revolution shirts on as they enter the ring, Douglas grinning as he chomps down on a piece of gum.

As the foursome enter the ring, Perry Saturn snatches the microphone out of Okerlund’s hand, again getting in his face and threatening him, much like he did on Thunder. Malenko, surprisingly, sits on the middle rope to lower it, while Douglas takes the mic from Saturn and tells Mean Gene to “take a hike. This ain’t your time anymore; it’s OUR time now!” With Saturn looming over him, Okerlund backs down, taking the path to safety and exiting the ring. It gets the crowd even further against The Revolution. Once Okerlund leaves, Douglas says that he knows why everyone is not happy with them, “but quite frankly, we don’t care! What happened to Ric Flair last week... was a long time coming! Years of past abuse finally caught up to the present!” Douglas reveals last Monday’s swerve to have been a month long plan in the making, ever since Ric Flair came back to WCW after Fall Brawl. “We are here in this ring, united, for one simple cause: to reach the top of this sport! We have worked our asses off for YEARS, all across the country... we have EARNED our spots! But last month, despite not having done a God-damned THING... in this sport for over THREE - COUNT EM, THREE - YEARS... heh, Ric Flair... comes along, and immediately gets all the attention, all of the spotlight. Ric Flair... comes right back to WCW, and right back to the top, to the main event.” Douglas snarls in disgust, and looks at his friends in the ring. “I speak for all of us when I say that made me FRICKIN’ SICK!” As Douglas yells in hatred, the three other men nod their head in agreement.

After seeing Flair come right back into the company and into “their” spotlight, The Franchise knew that actions had to be taken. He says that every confrontation Douglas had with Ric Flair, every time Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko came down to the ring to intervene... “it was all carefully set-up, Ric. So much time, so much effort... just to get to last Monday. That is how much we hate you, Ric Flair! Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko despise you so much they were willing to make you actually think they’d forgiven you for years of holding them down! They convinced you that they actually WANTED... to reform the Four Horsemen. You think Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko give a DAMN... about RIC FLAIR!?” Douglas, his face beat red as he riles off this plan, this hatred, hands the mic over to Dean Malenko, to let the Ice Man speak for himself.

“Ric...” Malenko slowly says. “I put my entire career on the line last year to get you back into WCW, to bring back the Four Horsemen... the group that I thought was the greatest group ever in all of professional wrestling. And Ric... it was the WORST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE!” Malenko claims that Flair used the Four Horsemen to hold he and Benoit down, and turned the two of them into his bodyguards, his henchmen to fight his own wars as Ric Flair became “drunk with power” as WCW President. “I watched you make yourself the World Heavyweight Champion! I watched you give your talentless hack of a son the United States Title! ...But what did you do for Dean Malenko? What did you do for Chris Benoit? YOU DID NOTHING, RIC! NOTHING!” After also claiming that Flair did nothing for Saturn as well - again reminding viewers that he allowed Saturn to humiliate himself and wrestle in a dress - Malenko states that Flair was worse than even Eric Bischoff as President. “All of that, Ric... that made last week so worth everything.”

Malenko, unusually vocal and loud as he also vents off years of pent up anger with Flair, hands the microphone back to Douglas. Douglas thanks Malenko for “getting that off your chest” and states it reveals the “truth” behind the black of Flair’s character. “But Dean, as pivotal as you were in our plot to embarrass and humiliate Ric Flair, I think we all know that last week would have been nothing without this guy,” Douglas says as he turns and looks at Benoit. Laughing, Douglas claps Benoit on the shoulder, and then feigns punching him. As Benoit toothlessly grins, Douglas holds his own jaw, acting like he has been decked out. “Damn, I gotta say, Chris, we did a really good job selling that punch, huh!?” Douglas laughs again, saying that he was more than happy to allow Benoit to punch him in the mouth two weeks ago... “all so we could get to last week, Flair.”

Still obnoxiously laughing and reliving the punch that Benoit gave to him two weeks ago, Douglas hands the microphone off to The Crippler. Douglas doubles over as he puts his arm on Saturn’s shoulder, who laughs as well, completely overselling the events and being obnoxious as possible. It works though, as Benoit has to pause before he can speak as the capacity crowd continues their booing of The Revolution. Benoit finally starts to speak, “There is a lot that I need to say... about why I took part in last week’s attack on Ric Flair, why I fooled Ric and Arn Anderson into believing the Four Horsemen could come back, and why I have nothing but pure and unadulterated hate in my heart for Ric Flair.”

Benoit’s monologue is cut abruptly short though, as the music of Bret Hart hits! “Hitman” plays throughout Philadelphia, and Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart marches out from the back, a sad look on his face. Despite the numbers in the ring, Hart walks down the aisle and enters the ring, a mic in his hand. Douglas doesn’t look too happy that their time is being interrupted, but Benoit is reserved, trying to observe Hart’s body language. It’s apparent that Hart is upset with The Revolution. Douglas looks ready to say something, but Benoit puts his arm on Douglas’, giving Hart the chance to address the group.

“When I came back to World Championship Wrestling over a month ago, I made it clear that Bret Hart was going to stand for good... honesty... and integrity. Well I was watching Monday Nitro from my locker room last week, enjoying the prospect of the Four Horsemen reforming and seeing my good friend, Chris Benoit, link up with a legend like Ric Flair. And then... I saw what actually happened. I saw The Revolution throw everyone a nice curve ball and humiliate two of the greatest icons in this sport! I saw my best friend turn himself into the person I despise!” Hart glares at Benoit, furious with his friend’s actions. The Crippler continues to simply watch Hart. “I spoke of three things that I stand for: good, honesty, and integrity. Well I look at you four men, and you know what I see? I see NONE of those qualities! Instead, I see the things I promised myself, promised my fans and family, to stand up for and fight. I see a lot of greed... and I see a lot of corruption!”

The Hitman stares at the four men, finally resting his eyes on Benoit, and shakes his head in disbelief. Hart says he could see something this vile coming from Shane Douglas, but not the rest of the group... especially not Chris Benoit. “Chris, last week you told me that no matter what, you had my back. You told me that I could make a difference in the WCW... that I could fight the evils of this company. And while I agree with those things that you said, let me make it crystal clear to you when I say that I don’t want your endorsement, I don’t want your help, and I don’t want your friendship!” As Hart lashes out his compatriot, Hart steps up, getting right into Benoit’s face. “Chris, if you stand alongside The Revolution... then you support all the things I said I was going to fight! You disgust me, Benoit! And now... I’m challenging you to a fight!” That draws a big ovation from the crowd, wanting to see the two excellent wrestlers clash right here, right now. Hart steps back from Benoit, and once again confronts the entire group. Hart says that they all should be ashamed of themselves for what they did last week, but he knows the group doesn’t care about things like respect or morality. “I’ve made it real clear that I wanted to fight Hulk Hogan upon my return to this company, but I allowed myself to forget that one dream match to wrestle you, Chris, two weeks ago on Nitro. And as much as I want that match with Hogan, my mission, my need to fight the corruption in the WCW... well that’s taking me right to another match now with you!” Hart says as he points directly at Benoit. “At Halloween Havoc, I’m ready to get back into this ring... and I want The Revolution!”

That gets another big round of cheers from the crowd as Hart challenges The Revolution, and while Perry Saturn steps up, ready to fight The Hitman here and now, Benoit pulls him back. Benoit shakes his head in disappointment, and says, “Bret, we are not your enemy. I am not your enemy. I love you like a brother, Bret, so please: stay out of this.” Hart remains steadfast, shaking his head no and restating the fact that he wants The Revolution at Halloween Havoc. As the group prepares an answer to the challenge, the arena almost blows the roof off the joint as “Also Sprach Zarathustra” hits... and out comes Ric Flair!

The Nature Boy power walks out from the back and into the ring, not even bothering to play to the adorning fans around him. Hart holds the ropes open for Naitch as he enters the ring, and then releases his mic over to him. There is no trademark good times from Flair as he starts to speak, and Flair makes it very clear that he is not here tonight to talk about last week... but there will come a time when he’ll speak his piece. “And as much as I want to kick each and every one of your asses, I’m not here to do that either... just yet. But I’ll get to that! You see, Ric Flair was just in the back talking to some important people, like the WCW Championship Committee and its representative, my good friend, J.J. Dillon... a man who KNEW what it meant to be... A HORSEMAN!” That gets a pop from the crowd as Flair glares at The Revolution. Shane Douglas’ earlier swagger has noticeably gone missing. “You see, ever since I went crazy in the head back in the summer and lost my Presidency, this company has been without a man in power. So I didn’t think I had anyone to go to if I wanted to try and get a match, but apparently, the Nature Boy was wrong! J.J. Dillon just told me if I wanted a match, he’ll take care of it! And not only did the Naitcha’ Boy get a match made... he got two of ‘em!”

As Flair looks at The Revolution, the men who assaulted him last week and made him out to be an utter fool, and Bret Hart, Flair announces that, “at Halloween Havoc, The Revolution is going to be in this ring. And Hitman, you are too! But pal, I want in... and I got in! Shane Douglas and Chris Benoit, you turncoat coward... you two are gonna meet ME... and BRET HART... IN THE RING!” Despite the temptation to finish that with a WOOO, Flair does not, too fired up and focused on what he has to say. “But that... that’s for Sunday! Douglas, get ready, ‘cause I’m gonna punch you square in the mouth - and I promise you, you’ll actually feel that one!” Flair nods his head, furious as he references the punch that Benoit gave to Douglas two weeks ago, a moment so pivotal in the would-be reformation of the Four Horsemen. “But tonight, I’m gettin’ my hands on you, Dean Malenko! You want to pull the wool over my eyes!? Well then buddy ole’ pal, tonight... I’M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!” As the crowd cheers the matches made, Perry Saturn and Shane Douglas both look ready to forget those matches and throw down right now. Flair’s former friends, Benoit and Malenko, prevent any altercation from happening; Malenko wants to wait for his match tonight, while Benoit has made it clear he does not want to fight his friend, Bret Hart. Malenko and Benoit grab their Revolutionaries by the shoulders, and pull them away from Hart and Flair, and then out of the ring. The Revolution back step up the aisle, Douglas grinning as he shouts that Flair’s career will end on Sunday, while Hart and Flair shake hands, forming an alliance tonight... and on Sunday against The Revolution. Both sides exchange verbal sparring as The Revolution reaches the platform, and Hart and Flair then turn to taunt for the crowd as Nitro takes a much needed commercial break. [93%]

NON-TITLE: HARLEM HEAT versus INSANE CLOWN POSSE
When Nitro returns, Tony Schiavone is focused still fully on the lengthy segment prior to the break, talking up the big match made for tonight against Flair and Malenko, and also the epic tag team match set for Halloween Havoc this Sunday. There is a match, however, so Tony eventually moves on to that. It’s with the reigning WCW Tag Team Champions too, who Schiavone reminds us will defend the gold against the Filthy Animals, West Texas Rednecks, and the First Family at Halloween Havoc.

On the back of three straight defeats, the Tag Champs are given this match to mentally prepare themselves ahead of their 4-team title match at Halloween Havoc this coming Sunday. It seems to work, as Harlem Heat come into the match prepared and confident. Booker T kicks the match off against the smaller Shaggy 2 Dope, and has his way with him. Book wrestles circles around the Juggalo, and eventually knocks him silly with a Harlem Side Kick. The big boys get a chance to tussle then, and Stevie Ray’s energetic shoulder blocks and right hands are just too much for Violent J. The big brother puts a whooping on J and almost grabs the victory with a sidewalk slam. While the ICP fight back and control the tempo momentarily, there’s no stopping Harlem Heat from burning this mother down. Stevie Ray reverses a Shaggy 2 Dope whip that halts their momentum, sending the clown into the corner. An avalanche into the corner follows, and Ray then lifts the Juggalo up and slams him down with a Powerbomb! Sensing danger, Violent J enters the ring, but does so Booker T, who quickly dispatches the fat clown with a Harlem Axe Kick. From there, it’s academic. 2 Dope is whipped into the ropes and the Champs dispatch him with the Big Apple Blast (Bearhug and Harlem Side Kick combo). Stevie Ray covers, and Harlem Heat are finally victorious! The brothers stand tall in celebration, looking the part as Champions as they raise they belts high, the older Stevie Ray yelling into the camera that they’re ready for Sunday, and sucka’s be goin’ down! [69%]

Dance, Dance
When Nitro returns, there is only one man standing in the ring - Disco Inferno... and that must mean it’s time for a Dance Off! Disco says that he has been hand picked by WCW to mediate and judge tonight’s Dance Off between Ernest Miller and Norman Smiley... and he’s ready for some funky grooving! Inferno introduces The Cat first, who comes out with his manager Sonny Onoo... and a duffel bag. Miller and Onoo both berate the crowd along their entrance to the ring, which gets the crowd cheering even more as Norman Smiley enters next for the dance off. He has no props, just himself and his purple wrestling trunks. Once the two get into the ring, Disco explains that the rules of the contest are very simple: each dancer will have two individual rounds to strut their stuff, and then a final round where the two must literally dance off against one another. After asking if the crowd was ready - with this somehow getting cheers from the crowd - Inferno flips a coin to determine who will go first. The Cat guesses right, and opts to go first. The flood lights then fade... and here we go. God, why am I writing this?

Colored lights start flashing throughout the arena as Miller’s theme of “I’m The Greatest” hits, and The Cat, wearing his singlet and his fists and feet taped, starts punching in the air and throwing up a barrage of kicks, Sonny Onoo in the background doing something similar. Disco Inferno commentates, yelling out, “OH! It’s The Cat-Bo Dancing move - people have lost weight on it, and now The Cat’s trying to use it to win a dance contest!” Miller does his Cat-Bo routine for about fifteen seconds, and the music then fades out as Miller ends his routine performing a leaping high kick that takes him off his feet, landing into a half-split! It’s a good display of athleticism, but the Philadelphia crowd’s not impressed, despite Onoo trying to get them to cheer the routine. After a few moments pause, Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” hits, and Norman Smiley starts side-stepping on his heels for a few moments, and after a spin, somersaults once, hops up to his feet, and points a few hip thrusts in Miller’s direction. “Norman Smiley’s coming out cocky and confident! Keeping it simple and a few pelvic thrusts lets The Cat know that he’ll shove a hairball down his throat! You’re up, Cat - rebuttal!”

Miller has changed during the quick break, and now has on a black cowboy hat and sleeveless vest. “Oh my,” Disco emphatically cries out, “He’s going Cowboy!” Will Smith’s “Wild Wild West” plays now, and The Cat’s got his fingers up as guns, shaking them from left to right as he raises his respective knee up with each swing. As Miller’s turn is just about up, The Cat flips off his hat with suave and throws it into the crowd, trying to earn some brownie points. Onoo applauds with enthusiasm as Inferno oozes over the dance routine, “It’s a Wild Wild West on the East Coast now, peeps! Will Smith, who are you? Ernest Miller is the sheriff ‘round these parts now! Oh Mister Smi-lay, how can you top that!?” Nodding his head, Smiley grins as he takes center stage, and the Bee Gees “Saturday Night Fever” hits, and Inferno falls in love on the mic as Smiley starts Disco-pointing all across the ring, transitioning his routine into spinning his arms around in circles in front of his face, moving his arm across his body as he points out to the crowd, and then breaking disco to move up a decade, hitting his arm that was pointing out to the crowd, turning his routine into the robot! As Smiley does several basic robot imitations, Disco drools, “That’s how you respond, folks! The best of the 70s and 80s all in one! Saturday Night Fever, meet your robotic maker! What a response from Smiley! Dancers, get ready - Dance Off!”

As Inferno dramatically shills the contest, he sends the contest into the modern ages as Ricky Martin’s smash hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca” hits. Smiley air walks his way right to Miller with the help of an imaginary rope, but The Cat responds with his best Michael Jackson impersonation, spinning on his toes, shaking his hips, and full on grabbing his crotch. Having one better, Smiley runs his hands over his eyes as he shakes his shoulders, and prepares to make it rain, so to speak, as he pulls out The Sprinkler. That throws Miller off his game, but he responds by dancing on his toes, Moonwalking backwards before doing several repeated half-splits, getting the assist from Sonny Onoo as he throws a robe over his shoulders and back as Miller lands on his final split, helping him in his best James Brown impersonation! “Oh my stars of the past! We’ve seen it all here tonight,” Disco cries, concluding the Dance Off. “But oh wait!” Just when the Dance Off seems over, Smiley shimmies his way over to the crouching Miller with the Big Wiggle, getting behind the unsuspecting Cat and performing the Smiley Spank right over his backside! “Are you serious!? I don’t believe it bay-bee!” Disco yells, doing his best Dick Vitale impersonation. The music cuts off as the crowd cheers the Smack My Bitch Up routine of Smiley’s, and Smiley backs off laughing as The Cat is furious that Smiley was able to embarrass him right at the end.

As Inferno ensures there is no fisticuffs after the Dance Off, Onoo goes back to playing to the crowd, trying to make sure they agree that The Cat is the winner of the competition. Disco says that he has a winner in mind, but he wants the fans to decide. “If you think Ernest Miller is your winner, lemme hear ya’ yell!” Disco says. There are some cheers for The Cat, but a large amount of boos. The Cat is furious. Disco flinches for him. “Ouch, babe, tough luck! How about Norman Smiley!?” The response is clear. Nothing but cheers for Smiley - the fans have voted Smiley the winner. “Well there you have it,” Disco claims. “He’s my winner too, baby! He mixed my favorite Disco with the Robot! He did his own dances! He’s the Master of the Big Wiggle and the Smiley Spank, and your Dance Off winner... NORMAN SMILEY!” As Disco raises Smiley’s arm into the air in victory, the smile from Smiley’s face is knocked off by a Feliner kick from The Cat! That interrupts the cheering, replaced with boos, as Miller lays out Smiley, and then kicks Disco right in the groin too! Inferno doubles over, holding his disco ball(s) in pain before falling to the canvas. The crowd jeers as The Cat stands over the two men, and Onoo hands him the fallen mic. “This contest was rigged!” he yells. After proceeding to stomp on both men, The Cat then says, “You may have won some tainted, BS Dance Off - but The Cat’s the best dancer of all, you know it! I’m the greatest! And this Sunday at Halloween Havoc, we’re gonna settle this... once and for all! No gimmicks, no dancing! Just you and me, Smiley, one-on-one in the ring!” Furious and bitter, The Cat then throws the mic down on Smiley’s back, and he and Onoo leave, having made their point. As the crowd heckles the two on their way out, the camera gets a shot at the fallen Smiley, struggling to get up to his hands and knees, before the feed switches over to commentary. [81%]

Free T-Shirts!
There’s a lull in the action as the ring clears, and Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan take a few minutes to talk up Sunday’s upcoming Pay Per View, Halloween Havoc, which Tony eagerly reminds us will be highlighted by Hulk Hogan challenging Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, but we also have the United States, Television, Tag Team, and Cruiserweight Titles all on the line, plus just recently added, a mega-team of ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair and Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart teaming up to take on The Revolution’s Shane Douglas and Chris Benoit! As the two men run down the current card for the show, Schiavone abruptly puts his finger to his ear and stops talking. “Ladies and gentlemen, I have just been told this is something going on in the back, so I’m going to send you there now!”

The show heads to a part of the arena not where the wrestlers convene, but that of the fans. A swarm of security guards surround an area set up for vendors to sell merchandise, and the camera picks up a shot of Head of Security Doug Dillinger say, “I’m sorry guys, but you know what the lawsuit says: you two are barred from WCW. It’s not my choice; I’m just doing my job.” A better view reveals that two men are running the merchandise table, and it’s no secret who they are - The Outsiders! Scott Hall, a sly smirk covering his stubbled face, throws a nWo Wolfpack t-shirt onto the face of a security staff and says, “We know the lawsuit... but we also know... the judge. Show ‘em, Big Kev.” As Hall grabs a WCW hoodie and grenade tosses it over the security to a fan trying to see the action, Nash pulls out a piece of paper from a folder behind him. “This right here,” he says as he puts it in front of Dillinger’s face, “is a signed and sealed document from the local government of the great city of Philadelphia, giving Kevin Nash and Scott Hall the legal right and verification to serve as vendors for this World Championship Wrestling event.”

This makes absolutely no sense to Dillinger, and argues that the form - which has the seal of approval from Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell - does not override the lawsuit banning The Outsiders from WCW. Scott Hall slicks back his hair and replies, “Da suits that banned us... got no control ova’ this. Dey don’t decide... who are the vendors at their events. The city... they do. And while Dubya-See-Dubya may not want... The Outsiders... good ole’ Philly-delphia... dey do. Supply and demand, chico.” Laughing, Hall does the Kliq point in the direction of the fans that are behind the swarm of security; the Philly crowd came to see The Outsiders. Kevin Nash says there is no arguing their set-up; the suits of WCW can’t stop the city from luring whoever they want as vendors, “and Dill Pickle, we’ve already been talking to city after city; The Outsiders are gonna be vending ‘round these parts for quite some time! Now who wants free shirts!?” As the pair laugh, Hall gleefully chucks the WCW merchandise to the fans behind the security crew. Dillinger shrugs his shoulders and leaves, his crew following behind him. Tony Schiavone chimes in from ringside, “The Outsiders sure are lucky to have that judge on their side, Brain! They’ve just found their loophole to at least keep them on WCW television!” While Schiavone stays objective, The Brain is ecstatic for their return. “You can’t hold these guys down, corporate; The Outsiders are back... and they’re in business too!” [95%]

BUFF BAGWELL versus DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE
The commentators are still talking about The Outsiders’ business in the back as this match gets underway, but the new talking point quickly becomes the fact that DDP comes out alone for his match tonight, “and that’s because his lackeys were taken out of commission this past Thursday on WCW Thunder!” a happy Schiavone explains. According to him, Chris Kanyon has a concussion and Bam Bam Bigelow broke several ribs AND is suffering from internal bleeding after Goldberg hit them both with steel chair shots. This seems to be in the back of Page’s mind, as he is hesitant and startled throughout the match. Bagwell takes advantage of it, dominating DDP early on with big right hands. Buff The Stuff eventually beats up on Page to the point that he flees to the outside for a break from the action. This only worsens his mood though. as a fan in the front row has a “DDP Fears Goldberg” sign right in Page’s face. Page, much to the fury of the crowd, grabs the sign and rips it in half. When he turns around to get back to the match... Bagwell hits him with a baseball slide, knocking him back into the guardrail!

While Buff beats on Page on the outside, the action gets back into the ring soon after, and The Stuff almost grabs the victory after spiking Page’s neck off the canvas with a DDT. Diamond does eventually get back into the match despite the ass kicking Bagwell dishes out, sneaking in a thumb to the eye before hitting a European Uppercut. Page dishes out big right hands of his own, getting back at Buff for all those earlier punches, and starts taking a hard-nosed brawling approach with Irish whips into the corners and a lot of strikes while in said corner. The grind-away tactic works well for Page, and he grabs a near fall after a knee-assisted face breaker. This gets Bagwell reeling, and having gained the edge, Page taunts his opponent as he lines him up for the Diamond Cutter. Page gets ready to strike - but “Invasion” hits, and here’s Goldberg! Da Man walks out onto the top of the entrance platform, staring down Page, who turns to the entrance as soon as the theme music hits throughout the arena. Goldberg smirks as he stares right at his opponent for Halloween Havoc, and Page looks scared at the arrival of ‘Berg, completely forgetting about his match... until Bagwell snatches him up from behind with a belly-to-back suplex! DDP bounces off the canvas, and Bagwell heads up to the second turnbuckle as his opponent slowly pulls himself up to his feet - Buff Blockbuster! Bagwell hits his flipping neck breaker, covers, and Page kicks out... just after the three count! Bagwell defeats Diamond Dallas Page in an upset!

The Stuff rolls out of the ring and celebrates up the aisle, making sure to give a grinning nod to Goldberg on his way to the back. His victory may be tainted, but a win over a former World Champion is great momentum ahead of his Television Title match on Sunday against Rick Steiner. There is still action at ringside as Da Man sarcastically applauds Page’s performance, who kicks the ropes in anger at the loss. Goldberg pulls a microphone out of his hoodie then, and bluntly states that Page is a coward who has been hiding behind his lackeys. “But this Sunday,” he growls, “it’ll just be you... and ME! ‘Cause I took your boys out, Page! You’ve been talkin’ a lotta talk this past month, but at Havoc... I’m gonna be the one walkin’ the walk!” Goldberg laughs and then yells his trademark, “YOU’RE NEXT!” Despite the distance between them, DDP flinches in response to Goldberg’s statement. Still laughing, Goldberg turns and heads to the back, his business finished for the night. It is only after that Goldberg is gone does DDP finally get the gall to retaliate, yelling out for Goldberg to come into the ring and face him now because he’s not a coward. The Brain snarkily calls Goldberg a coward, citing this as proof, while Schiavone reminds viewers that it will be DDP versus Goldberg this Sunday at Halloween Havoc, and with Kanyon and Bigelow both on the shelf, Diamond Dallas Page must actually get into the ring and have another match with Goldberg. [73%]

AMURCA!
Nitro heads to the backstage again, but this time at the interview section as ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is standing backstage with “two men who simply put, love the United States of America - ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan and his protege, Van Hammer!” After a necessary trademark “HOOOOO!” from Duggan, the veteran declares that America is in a state of war... “against the Nazi’s!” Oh goodness. The comment makes some sense, well, in the form of people now understand why Van Hammer stands next to Duggan with a WWII-like helmet on top of his head, which goes just great with his American Flag t-shirt. Talking about the two men they’ve been feuding with, Duggan says Berlyn and his Wall are not enemies to be feared, and Duggan & Hammer represent why America is the greatest nation in the world. Riiight. “And we’re going to prove it this Sunday! We just got the match approved; at Halloween Havoc, there will be no tricks or treats - only WAR! My protege, the next Great American Hero, is ready to cross the battle lines and defend America’s might against Berlyn. One-on-one... in a traditional American-made rasslin’ match! HOOOOO!” Moving the focus to Hammer, Okerlund asks the tall blonde for his thoughts on the match, and the patriot speaks of his pride to train alongside Jim Duggan every day. After calling his compatriot the real American Hero, Van Hammer declares, “This Sunday on Pay Per View, I will make America proud when I bring the Hammer DOWN... on Berlyn!” The two roar out a simultaneous “HOOOOO!” and march off, Van Hammer proudly pumping Duggan’s 2x4 into the air all the while. [83%]

A Lot of Barking
After a commercial break, Nitro goes... right back to where it left off, the interview section of World Championship Wrestling programming. Scott Hudson is here though, replacing Mean Gene as he stands by with the WCW Television Champion, ‘The Dog Faced Gremlin’ Rick Steiner. Steiner has the TV Title on his shoulder, which is good as it helps to cover his stupid jean jacket that he’s wearing. Hudson looks intimidated as Steiner glares at him with a fierce look, and he doesn’t do himself any favors by asking if Steiner is worried about his match at Halloween Havoc after watching Buff Bagwell defeat Diamond Dallas Page moments ago. Steiner’s response is to grab Hudson by the collar, get right in his face, and bark loudly, sending spit flying onto Hudson’s face. When he’s finally ready to talk, Steiner says, “You think I’m scared!? I don’t get scared! People get scared of me!” Steiner calls Bagwell’s win over Page “meaningless”, saying he could kick Bagwell’s ass, Page’s ass, and Goldberg’s ass all at once. “That’s how good I am! That’s how tough I am!” The DFG calls himself the toughest and baddest wrestler in WCW today, and the most dominant Television Champion ever. “If you think that this dog’s scared of some cocky, arrogant bastard like Bagwell, think again! I’m the head dog! Bagwell... he’s just a loud mouth poodle! And Bagwell, just remember one thing. I put you on the shelf last year, and I’ll do it again. But this time... I’m gonna snap your frickin’ neck in two!” Steiner starts barking loudly again, barking repeatedly in Hudson’s ear until the interviewer backs off, covered in spit and disgusted. The TV Champion then walks out of the shot, still barking all the while. [74%]

DEAN MALENKO (w/The Revolution) vs. RIC FLAIR (w/Arn Anderson)
It must have taken all of his will power to restrain himself earlier in the night, as Flair attacks Malenko with gusto the moment the bell rings. Forgetting about the technical side of wrestling, the Nature Boy goes straight for jabs, working the technician over with his punches. Flair’s offense is cheered with every jab, and he gets a great ovation when he caps his run off with a clothesline that flips Malenko up and over the ropes to the outside! Showing his intellect, Naitch waits for the Ice Man to return to the ring, not wanting to pursue him and walk right into a 1 v. 4 trap. Flair continues the no-nonsense brawl approach when Malenko returns to the ring, but Malenko is more prepared this time, absorbing several shots before shooting in low with a double leg takedown. Wanting to take all of the emotion out of the match, the Man of 1,000 Holds shoots at Flair’s legs as he gets him to the canvas, applying a leg lock. Flair is able to get to the ropes after a few seconds, but it sets the pace for the match. Malenko continues to absorb and dodge punches from the Nature Boy, and then finds the opening like only he can to apply a submission, slowing the pace and neutralizing Flair’s anger.

The tactics of Malenko create a distinct advantage for him as the match wears on, the Ice Man transitioning from hold to hold, always prying away at his former idol. A STF submission hold almost grabs Malenko the victory, but after an extended struggle Flair is able to latch onto the bottom rope. The Ice Man slowly switches to an all around approach, hitting several suplexes, including a near fall off a unique dragon suplex. Malenko keeps his focus on Flair’s back though, applying a surfboard stretch and then later a jumping backbreaker. That move rattles Flair’s spine, the 12-time World Heavyweight Champion going limp after it. Sensing the win is here, Malenko grabs Flair’s legs - and applies the Texas Cloverleaf! Ric Flair yells in pain as Malenko pulls back on Flair’s legs, increasing the torque and pain of the submission, the pain even worse for Flair as he slowly pulls himself (and thus Malenko) across the ring to the ropes. Flair looks close to tapping out to the submission maneuver... but latches onto the bottom rope!

Not wanting to give his opponent any chance to breathe, Malenko pulls Flair up to his feet moments after the rope break, works him over quick, and position him for a chickenwing powerbomb, looking to add further damage to Flair’s notorious bad back. Malenko tries to lift Flair up, but he works his feet back to the canvas - and sends Malenko over with a back body drop! The Ice Man is quick back to his feet, but sees his Irish Whip reversed... and runs into a boot to the gut and DDT from Flair! Both men are down!

That creates a lull in the action as both men go down, but they’re back and standing by the count of 8. The two slowly exchange right hands as the action resumes, and despite taking several shots to send him staggering, the Nature Boy comes firing back with big right hands! Flair hits a series of jabs, and drives Malenko into the corner with a shoulder tackle. Knife edge chops! Flair, the crowd WOOing along the way, lights up the Ice Man with his patented chops, reddening his chest with a plethora of stinging chops until Malenko staggers out of the corner into a hip toss. It’s all Flair all of a sudden, and the veteran grabs a hold of his opponent... and hits a knee breaker! That’s a set-up... for the Figure Four Leg Lock! Naitch grabs Malenko’s leg, spins around - and locks him in! Right in the middle of the ring! Malenko yells in pain, and within several moments, tries to squirm in every direction possible to find a way to inch closer to the ropes... but there’s no path to safety. Flair has Malenko locked in the iconic Figure Four right in the center of the ring! Knowing his fate, Malenko tries to fight the submission maneuver off a little bit longer, but with no chance of finding the ropes and too exhausted to try and reverse, the Ice Man raises his hand to quit... but Flair is attacked!

Perry Saturn and Shane Douglas enter the ring and start kicking Flair, breaking the submission hold as Nick Patrick calls for the match to end. Flair will win by disqualification, but The Revolution care naught about the match, but about hurting the Nature Boy. The two men continue to put the boots to Flair as Benoit enters the ring, but The Criipler simply observes the beat down on Flair. As the 2-on-1 assault continues, Benoit helps Malenko up to his feet.. but here comes Bret Hart! The Hitman sprints out from the back, dives into the ring, and decks Perry Saturn with a running forearm! Right hands to Douglas! Bret Hart is here, and he’s ready to take on The Revolution! Hart hits Saturn and Douglas with repeated right hands - and sends Saturn over the top rope with a clothesline! Douglas tries one last attack, but The Hitman sidesteps him with ease, grips him up, and flings him over the ropes as well! The crowd’s ecstatic! Hart turns to Benoit and Malenko, motioning for them to come and take him on... but Benoit’s having none of it. The Crippler prompts Malenko, and the two exit the ring, avoiding the confrontation with The Hitman. The two men reconvene in the entrance aisle with Saturn and Douglas, and back step up the aisle, Douglas still jawing with Hart on the exit. The Hitman helps Ric Flair up to his feet, and the partners for this Sunday stand tall in the ring, hatred and tension filling the arena as the six stare each other down, Douglas still running his mouth that the two men in the ring will get beaten on Sunday. Schiavone shills the big tag team match for Halloween Havoc, but The Brain is stuck on Chris Benoit - “Bret Hart’s his opponent this Sunday, Tony, and he won’t even hit him!” [73%]

No Match
After the final commercial break, “American Made” blares throughout the arena, which means main event time! Horace Hogan is out alongside his uncle, donning. similar yellow trunks as his relative. After playing to the crowd and have a good time - Hulk feeling safe for his son with the little 9-year old in the back with Gene Okerlund - the music of the haunter, Sting, hits... to nothing. The WCW World Heavyweight Champion and Lex Luger do not appear at ringside. David Penzer introduces the two again as Sting’s theme hits... but again, no one comes out. Hulk immediately looks startled and afraid, and recognizes that something’s wrong. Leaving Horace in the ring, Hulk takes off, power marching to the back as Schiavone exclaims he must be searching for Nick. That he is, as Hulk walks to the back and straight to his locker room. Hogan bursts through the door, expecting the worst... only to see Okerlund and Hogan sitting in the locker room, watching a monitor (which just so happens to be showing Hogan entering the room), free of any danger. There’s a shared look of confusion between the three men, Hulk having no idea why Sting didn’t show up to the match then. Little Nick tells his father he is safe, re-assuring him, and then tosses him the black baseball bat Hogan has had since last week. As soon as Hulk catches it, he’s hit from behind!

Sting and Lex Luger charge into the locker room, hitting Hogan in the back of the head with a running forearm. Luger starts savagely kick Hogan’s back and head as Nick Hogan cries out, Mean Gene holding the 9-year old back from intervening. Sting watches as Luger kicks Hulk several more times, and then grabs the fallen baseball bat, the same bat he opted not to use on Hulk Hogan just last week. After a final hard kick to the side of Hogan’s face, leaving Hogan struggling to get up, Luger backs off... for Sting to step in. Standing above the prone Hulkster, the emotionless Sting raises the baseball bat high into the air - and SLAMS IT across Hogan’s back! And again! Bat shot to the back! Nick Hogan is crying, the 9-year old helpless as he witnesses his father get manhandled by Sting and Luger. “They set him up, Brain! Hulk Hogan walked right into Sting’s trap!” - Tony Schiavone.

After hitting Hogan in the back with that bat twice, Sting stabs the bat into his spine several times, making sure that the icon is motionless. Hearing the cries of a little boy, Sting stops, turns and faces Nick, not an emotion on his face. Almost as if the boy’s sobs fuel his mission, the Stinger turns back to Hogan... and delivers a final, devastating blow to Hulk’s back with the bat! Without another look back at Nick Hogan or Mean Gene, Sting walks out of the room, Lex Luger closely behind him, surprisingly looking uneasy with the ambush that has just occurred. Once the two are out of the room, Okerlund finally releases Nick, who runs straight to his limp father, crying and sobbing, yelling if he’s okay through tears. Okerlund runs off, screaming for help for his friend. As Tony Schiavone yells for help as well, Nitro fades to an eery end, the final shot little Nick Hogan crying over the beaten, broken, iconic Hulk Hogan.

Tonight’s Thunder is taped from the same arena as Monday Nitro, but that doesn’t stop Mike Tenay and Larry Zbyszko being ready to call all the (not) live action! With Halloween Havoc a mere three days away, the commentary is heavily focused on the upcoming Pay Per View. Tonight’s show will feature several teasers for the event too, according to Tenay, as Champions Sting, Harlem Heat, Rick Steiner, and Lenny Lane will all be in non-title action! The main focus though, of course, is on the ending of Monday Nitro’s show, when Sting brutally assaulted Hulk Hogan with a baseball bat. Zbyszko confirms that Hulk Hogan is still in a Philadelphia hospital following the attack, and at this point, no one can make an accurate guess as to whether or not Hogan will be able to challenge Sting for the WCW World Heavyweight Title at Halloween Havoc - “but if he does somehow make it to Halloween Havoc, this is no way he’ll be at 100%, Tenay,” The Living Legend grimly states.

BERLYN & THE WALL (w/Uda Ludendorf) vs. FILTHY ANIMALS
If there was ever a precursor to an overbooked match, the show broadcasts split-screens of the West Texas Rednecks, First Family, and Van Hammer & Jim Duggan watching on monitors from the back as the two teams kick off Thunder. Berlyn carries most of the load for his team, working an up-tempo style with the Animals to provide the needed work rate in a WCW curtain jerker. The German impresses too, hitting a springboard back elbow to Rey Mysterio Jr. and then countering his hurricanrana attempt into a sit-out power bomb for a near fall. Berlyn and Kidman have some technical interchanges as well, the two men going through an acrobatic hold-for-hold sequence that ends with Kidman backflipping off the second rope, grabbing his opponent in mid-air, and pulling him into a diving reverse DDT!

While the Filthy Animals have their fun with the high paced attack, the presence of Berlyn’s Wall slows the momentum and gives the Krauts the advantage. The big German rattles the little guys with his big blows, allowing the Germans to work Kidman over especially. All that size only works for so long though, as Kidman eventually dodges The Wall as the big man charges him, leaving him to run straight into the turnbuckles. Kidman follows up with a leaping neck breaker, and tags are made! Rey Mysterio comes in ready, hitting Berlyn with dropkicks and then a spinning DDT. The Filthy Animals quickly get into a clear advantage, but Berlyn - wanting the match on his terms - receives his metallic cane from his translator, Uda Ludendorf, and brings the match to an abrupt end by hitting the high flying Mysterio across the back of his leg!

Kidman is able to dropkick the cane way to prevent further damage as the two teams continue their fight despite Mickey Jay calling for the bell. Despite the loss of the cane, the Germans have no problems over powering Kidman, thanks to the 2-on-1 advantage. As the Krauts start beating away on Kidman, help comes in the form of Old Glory - Jim Duggan and Van Hammer! The proud patriots dive into the ring and attack the Germans, continuing their international war as haymakers go flying. The Filthy Animals, free of fighting, have hardly any time to recover though as the melee gets worse as Jimmy Hart’s First Family are on the scene, ambushing the two cruiserweights from behind. Kidman and Mysterio try - and fail - to hold their own, but rescuers come in the unlikely form of the Windham Brothers, the cowboys wanting to avenge the sneak attack on Nitro that Knobs dished out to Kendall. With the international war still waging on at a stalemate throughout the ring and the three challengers for the Tag Titles brawling as well, Thunder is chaos with ten men brawling in the ring with reckless abandon, much like Nitro’s opening. Again Doug Dillinger and security are out on the scene to separate the fighting, with Mike Tenay commenting that there is a lack of control in WCW right now; “but that’s what happens when you have no President to run the show!” - Larry Zbyszko. As security gets into the ring and pull apart all the scuffles, Harlem Heat also come out from the back, standing up at the entranceway, observing all their challengers (and the internationals) fighting each other - and thankfully not them - ahead of Halloween Havoc. [74%]

The Coolest Vendors Ever
As security settles the war in the ring, Thunder cuts to the back where two more security guards stand next to a concession stand. Security is needed because the men running the stand are none other than The Outsiders. The two have a line of customers, but it seems that most want autographs, not concessions, as Kevin Nash is constantly signing pictures that fans give him. Scott Hall, however, is doing his own thing, throwing popcorn into his mouth intermittently in between sips of beer. Laughing, Nash sarcastically reprimands The Bad Guy not to “eat up all the merchandise.” Hall returns the laugh, giving away the rest of his beer to a hot blond in the crowd, telling the twenty-something to meet him after the show. Blushing, the girl takes the beer and walks off, but only after promising to do so. The Outsiders share more laughter, and Hall joins in on autographs while Big Sexy remarks that he loves this job. As the show cuts away to a commercial break, we get one final shot of their antics, Nash now giving out free slices of pizza to the gathering fan base. [88%]

NON-TITLE: LENNY LANE (w/Lodi) vs. LASH LEROUX
Selling what happened on Nitro, Lenny comes out to the ring with a face mask on to protect his injured nose, but Lodi takes it over the top, coddling his partner and constantly double and triple checking to make sure he is up to competing. It should be noted that the taped broadcast clearly edits out showing the contents of Lodi’s sign, a surefire signal that they were too inappropriate for WCW’s Standards and Practices. Lenny doesn’t have to worry too much about his injured nose/face in this match as he dominates the fun-loving Cajun with relative ease. Lenny still makes sure to oversell any shots to his face, taking a timeout at one point on the outside so Lodi can check on him... and apply some ambiguous TLC. The gayness aside, Lenny eventually assumes full control and grabs the win with his Memory Lane full nelson face buster. The “brothers” celebrate afterwards, looking happy and safe ahead of Halloween Havoc. [78%]

Stay Out Of It
There is a break in the action as a recap video plays, telling the story of Chris Benoit’s alliance over the years with Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen, his feigned rekindled friendship from the past few weeks with him, and his part in The Revolution’s attack on Flair and Arn Anderson a week and a half ago. After some commentary about Benoit’s heartless betrayal on Flair, the talking heads send the feed to the interview section in the back where Scott Hudson is standing by with just Chris Benoit. Wanting to follow-up from Nitro where The Revolution revealed their plot to lure and betray Flair, Hudson asks Benoit for an elaborated explanation behind his individual desire to backstab his former friend. The man labeled ‘silent but violent’ lives up to half of that name, having very little to say on the issue. The Crippler bluntly states that everything that was said on Nitro is good enough, and “that’s all that needs to be said.” Grabbing Benoit’s hint to drop the subject, Hudson talks up his tag team match for Halloween Havoc and swtiches focus to his other opponent for Sunday - Bret Hart.

Hudson wants to know why Benoit wouldn’t fight The Hitman on Nitro, especially when they will be opponents on Sunday. Benoit’s stance is much more open to this question, boldly stating that The Revolution and Hart should not be fighting each other on Sunday. Benoit knows that Hart wants to wage war against corruption, greed, and evil, but Hart needs to “take a closer look at his partner” for Sunday, and not The Revolution. Benoit tells Hudson that he still views Hart as his friend, and makes a plea to his friend not fight him on Sunday. Instead, Hart should “stand on the side of The Revolution” because their goals are similar. “The Revolution are vanquishing the crooked and selfish who have held us down,” Benoit says, and will be taking their rightful places at the top of WCW.

Staring directly into the camera, Benoit seems to be addressing Hart personally as he says that this Sunday, he will only wrestle Hart “if he has too.” Benoit says as sternly as possible that he is not Hart’s enemy; “so please, don’t make me into one, Bret. You won’t win, my friend... you can never kill a Revolution.” Benoit takes one last hard look into the camera, trying to plead his case to Hart, and then walks off, leaving only Hudson in the shot as Thunder fades to another break. [79%]

NON-TITLE: HARLEM HEAT vs. BRITISH GENTRY
After making an appearance earlier to witness the melee between their challengers for Halloween Havoc, Harlem Heat are back in front of the camera, this time for in-ring action against the former Blue Bloods. Riding off the momentum from their win on Nitro, Heat come out hot and ready, Stevie Ray rocking David Taylor with heavy right hands and forearms, capping his momentum with a spinning side belly-to-belly suplex. The more skilled competitors get a chance to do battle, and Steven Regal and Booker T have an intense back and forth chain wrestling sequence. The Brit actually comes out better, trapping Booker in a unique elbow lock while also simultaneously chopping Booker’s chest. Regal’s stiff-hitting strikes give the British Gentry the advantage over Booker for a few moments, but Booker then reverses a Taylor Irish whip to send him into the ropes. As Taylor rebounds back at him, Booker leaps off his feet, clocking him with a dropkick! Regal tries to illegally enter the ring afterwards, but runs straight into a Harlem Side Kick!

Harlem Heat solidify their advantage, taking turns working over Taylor while throwing in some double team maneuvers along the way. Their natural chemistry only helps the Champions, and the brothers quickly beat down Taylor. A standing spine buster from Stevie Ray puts the vet down and seemingly out, and Regal, fearing the loss, grabs a pair of brass knuckles from his knee pad. Regal charges into the ring, looking to clock Ray. Booker T spots the cheating Regal, and enters the ring as well, intercepting Regal with a nasty pump kick! That knocks Regal down, and Harlem Heat pick up the pieces as they finish Taylor off with the Big Apple Blast combo (Bearhug from Ray and Harlem Side Kick from Booker) for the victory.

As Harlem Heat celebrate together after the match, the Champs walk up the aisle with their belts proudly raised, Stevie Ray mugging for the camera like only he can. The camera then switches back to the ring as Harlem Heat exit to the back. Regal and Taylor both get back up to their feet, and Regal fetches a mic from the timekeeper. The Brit removes the brass knuckles still on his hand, stares at them, and throws it to the floor. Regal speaks into the mic then, saying that he and Taylor have acted so superior to everyone else in WCW for years, but all they’ve done is learn how to lose in new, humiliating ways week after week. Regal asks his partner what their many attempts to cheat have accomplished. “Bloody nothing!” Regal yells when Taylor cluelessly shrugs his shoulders. Regel declares he is tired of losing, tired of being a “snobbish prat,” and done with trying to cheat. Regak then tosses the mic and exits the ring, turning his back on the dumbfounded Taylor as he walks to the back alone. [78%]

Hicks
With the ring filled by the awkward Taylor, Thunder cuts to the back again. In an attempt to make a stale stable relevant again, Scott Hudson is at the interview area with the whole West Texas Rednecks - Curt Hennig, the Windham Brothers, Bobby Duncam Jr., and Vincent. Hennig cockily laughs as Hudson tries to ask the group about their confidence in regaining the Tag Titles on Sunday, and decalres it a “certainty” that the Windham’s will win back the gold. Hennig laughs off the competition, labeling Harlem Heat as “criminals and gangsters”, the Filthy Animals as “wannabe gangsters”, and the First Family as “pure trash.” The Rednecks, however, as “wholesome, purebred MEN!” Barry Windham chimes in, angrily telling Hudson that Brian Knobs made a grave mistake by hitting his brother with Jimmy Hart’s megaphone on Nitro, ‘cause now they’re “gonna stick our bullrope where the sun don’t shine!” Needing to earn his paycheck, Vincent then promises all their proud redneck fans a live performance of one of their many hits on Nitro when the Rednecks regain the belts at Halloween Havoc. In a show of unity and comradery, the Rednecks put their hands in together, and yell “YEE-HAW” to end the interview, the five men walking off the set happy as can, much like Harlem Heat, feeling confident of their chances on Sunday when the gold is on the line. [84%]

NON-TITLE: STING (w/Lex Luger) vs. HARDCORE HAK
Slow, deary music brings out the World Heavyweight Champion as Thunder returns to the air, the Stinger having a non-title much against the ill-used Hardcore Hak. What was supposed to be a standard singles match quickly turns into an apparent No Disqualification match, perhaps, as Scott Dickenson allows Hak to swing his Singapore Cane at Sting as the bell rings. It’s no matter, as the emotionless World Champion dodges several shots, constantly watching Hak and moving until he seizes an opening, wrestling the Cane away from the former Sandman of ECW. Forced to use only his fists as weapons, Hak resumes his overly-aggressive fight style with wild haymakers, but Sting eventually ducks Hak’s punches and puts him on the mat with a belly-to-back suplex. Having slowed the tempo, Sting then methodically picks Hak apart, going through the motions, hitting some of his signature moves (like two Stinger Splashes), and eventually finishing the hardcore wrestler off with the Scorpion Death Drop for the easy victory. As Lex Luger gets into the ring post-match, Sting shows he is not finished with Hak though as Luger tosses him the bat. The Total Package then pulls Hak up to his feet... and Sting hits him over the face with the baseball bat! [80%]

Demanding Answers, Again
As Lex Luger uses his boot to push Hak out of the ring, ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund marches down the aisle and into the ring, talking on his way that he has seen enough “despicable actions” from Sting and Luger, and he is again demanding an explanation behind the “madness.” Keeping his promise to continue to hound Sting to speak, Okerlund gets right in front of Sting and demands to know why he and Luger ruthlessly attacked Hulk Hogan with a baseball bat on Monday Nitro, and how they can live with themselves after not only doing that, “but doing it in front of his 9-year old boy!?” While Luger grins at the thought of Monday Nitro, Sting remains emotionless as ever. However, Mean Gene cares not, jutting the microphone right at Sting’s mouth, holding it there for a full ten seconds while Sting stands motionless, facing the entrance of the Thunder set, refusing to look at the fans or address Okerlund.

Not getting an answer, Okerlund is not discouraged, instead blasting the two men again for their “heinous” assault on Hulk Hogan, and states that they owe all of the fans of WCW an apology because as a direct result of their attack on Hogan, there may not be a World Heavyweight Title match this Sunday! Sting again has no response, while Luger laughs at the thought. The Total Package then steps in between his friend and Okerlund, cowering over the interviewer and saying that he and Sting do not care if Hulk Hogan spends “the rest of his life in a hospital” because they broke his back. They do not care if there is no title match on Sunday, and they especially do not care “about any of these people!” While Luger works the cheap heat angle for he and the Stinger, Mean Gene fires right back, boldly declaring, “Hey, step off pal! I am here to talk to Sting, not his lackey!” While the crowd gives Mean Gene a rare pop for his boldness, Okerlund sidesteps Luger, getting right back into Sting’s face and demanding to know why he tried to end Hulk Hogan’s career on Nitro with the baseball bat. As Okerlund holds the mic back up to Sting, the World Champion takes a step backwards, and Okerlund is pulled down to the canvas! Lex Luger throws Okerlund down to the canvas!

Larry Zbyszko is outraged on commentary, pointing out that Okerlund is a 57-year old man, not a wrestler, and everybody, certainly Luger, knows he has a very bad neck and could suffer severe damage to his body by being thrown around like that. Luger shows no remorse for Okerlund’s health or well being, throwing him down to the canvas and then standing over him. As Okerlund barely moves, wincing in pain and in fear of his life, Luger yells in his face, asserting his power over the frail Okerlund, shouting at Mean Gene that they don’t have to answer to him, or anyone else in the world. Sting watches this whole charade without an ounce of emotion on his face, neither delighted or worried or anything. With Okerlund showing obvious pain from having to take a bump, the message has been sent to Mean Gene to back off. Luger and Sting then make their departure, walking out of the ringside area without another look back at Okerlund, who holds his neck in pain. Zbyszko leaves his spot at commentary to get into the ring to tend to Okerlund, being a support until medical staff can arrive to check on Okerlund’s neck and spine. The show cuts to an abrupt break as Okerlund receives medical attention. [79%]

NON-TITLE: RICK STEINER versus KONNAN
When Thunder returns, Scott Hudson has replaced Larry Zbyszko at the announcer’s table, with Mike Tenay informing the fans that Zbyszko is off to the hospital with his friend Gene Okerlund. While the two men still want to talk about the previous segment, there is still a match to call. The non-title action continues for a fourth time tonight as the Dog Faced Gremlin gets his warm-up match against a Filthy Animal. In his usual fashion, Steiner comes out hard, firing away with stiff right hands and forearm strikes in the early going, giving K-Dawg all he can handle. Konnan spends a lot of the match on the defensive, covering up as the DFG rattles off a flurry of punches, and eventually catching his Mexican opponent with a hard knee shot to the chin. Steiner, despite having the advantage, doesn’t change his pace up much, keeping Konnan in the corner and just trying to pummel him into submission. Using punches, forearm strikes, elbow and knee strikes, and rough kicks, Steiner’s offense is simple, but effective as it gets him a near fall after a running knee lift. Needing to change the tempo, Steiner hits a full nelson release suplex, almost spiking Konnan on his head in doing so. The Television Champion covers again, but again is only able to grab a two count.

Despite taking a heavy beating, Konnan doesn’t give up, and slowly fights his way back into the match, hitting a jaw breaker out of nowhere as Steiner pulls him up to his feet. Working up a rhythm with right hands, Konnan goes signature with a rolling clothesline, and then hits a vertical suplex for two. Taking time to play to the crowd, the fun-loving Konnan rolls again, this time running off the ropes and hitting a rolling dropkick, knocking Steiner back into the corner. The TV Champion rebounds off the turnbuckles and back into the ring, and Konnan turns it into a nice sequence by running off the ropes again and hitting a bulldog! Signaling for the end, Konnan prepares to apply the Tequila Sunrise, but Konnan’s mystery stalker makes his presence again as the lights cut out! White and green lights dimly flash throughout the arena for several seconds, making it so you can barely see Konnan standing in the ring, furious and focused on trying to see if he can spot his stalker somewhere in the arena. Just before the lights come back on, that evil, high pitched cackle fills the sound system one more time, causing Konnan to wince as the arena lights return to normal. As Konnan tries to refocus on the match, he turns around into a Steinerline! That takes K-Dawg out of commission, and Steiner then heads to the second turnbuckle, wrapping the non-title match off with the Steiner Bulldog to get the victory. The Dog Faced Gremlin receives his Title Belt and celebrates up the aisle on the outside, making sure to bark into the camera a few times along the way. Konnan recovers in the ring, and punches the canvas in anger, yet again coming up on the losing end because of this mysterious stalker haunting him. [81%]

Regaining The Arrogance
When Thunder returns, it should be for the main event as “Self High Five” brings out Diamond Dallas Page, again alone after Chris Kanyon and Bam Bam Bigelow were taken out of commission last week by Goldberg. Page enters the ring and demands a microphone from a stagehand, snatching the chance for an insert promo before his main event. Getting back to basics, Page starts rattling off his catchphrases, “Ya’ love me, ya’ hate me, but you’ll never forget me!” After reminding us all that he is the greatest ever two-time, two-time, two-time World Heavyweight Champion, Page yells out Goldberg’s name and announces that he is standing right here, waiting for Goldberg. After boldly declaring that he is not afraid of Da Man, DDP cockily promises to defeat Goldberg this Sunday at Halloween Havoc. Declaring that he doesn’t need the help of The Triad, Dallas states that he is “the” star of World Championship Wrestling, and a victory over Goldberg is in the cards. “I’m betta’ than you, Scumberg! You know it, I know it, and it’s time that the whole world gets their head outta your butt and know it too! But don’t worry, Goldilocks, ‘cause you only got three more days until that happens! Badda Bing, Badda Boom, Badda BANG!” As Page throws up the Cutter symbol and brings it down to finish his promo, Chavo Guerrero Jr. comes out from the back, making it time to start off the main event. [85%]

CHAVO GUERRERO JR. versus DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE
Despite all of his confidence, Page starts the match off on the back foot, underestimating the ability of little Chavo Guerrero. The underdog moves all across the ring as he dodges Page’s offense, using his speed to create openings of his own and then attacking, hitting a dropkick that sends DDP into the corner. Guerrero is like a little bulldog, hitting off a flurry of rights and lefts, battering Page’s abdomen with punches. DDP rolls out of the corner to escape Chavo, but the third-generation star simply springboards off the second turnbuckle and hits a missile dropkick to the back of DDP’s head! Cover, but a kick out at two! Guerrero continues to run circles around Diamond Dallas Page, staying on his toes and continuing to attack DDP, capping his run of momentum off with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors takedown to score another two count. On the ropes and struggling, Page has to pull out the dirty playbook to get back into the match, raking the eyes of his opponent to slow him down. The cheap trick works, as Guerrero momentarily can’t see after the eye rake, allowing the former World Champion to take him down with a clothesline.

Slowing the pace of the match to neutralize Guerrero’s high flying attacks, DDP works on Guerrero in the corner, punching and kicking Chavo to grind him down, scoring another near fall after a discus clothesline. Wanting to soften Chavo up for the Diamond Cutter, Page starts targeting the neck, hitting a bunch of forearm strikes to the back of the neck and then hitting a swinging neck breaker. Thinking that’s enough, Page throws up the Cutter sign and grabs Chavo for the Diamond Cutter - but Chavo grabs the ropes, holding on and staying on his feet as Page crashes to the canvas! Quick thinking from Chavo, who jumps off his feet and hits the now standing DDP with a hurricanrana! Cover! One! Two! Thre- Kick Out by DDP! Guerrero almost grabs the win out of nowhere, and after a quick lull in the action, Chavito goes right back to attacking Page with his fast-paced game, hitting a springboard dropkick and following up with a slingshot leg drop from the apron. Another cover by Guerrero, but Page is able to get his shoulder up before two. Feeling the huge upset victory in his grasp, Chavo pulls Page up to his feet, and applies a front face lock, looking for the brainbuster, his key set-up for the Frog Splash. Chavo starts to lift Page up off the canvas, but DDP fights his way back down to his feet, and delivers a swift knee to the gut. That doubles Guerrero over as the hold breaks - and Page hits the DIAMOND CUTTER! Down goes Guerrero, and Page covers - One! Two! Three! DDP has to put in a hard shift, but he is just too good for Chavo Guerrero Jr. The King of Badda Bing pulls himself up to his feet, brushing off the hard competition provided by Guerrero by boasting into the camera how “easy” the match was for him. DDP dramatically has the referee raise his hand into the air in victory, shouting that this is the future for Sunday at Halloween Havoc. As Page looks set to end Thunder happy as can be, Goldberg slowly walks out from the back, standing on the entrance set-up, staring down DDP. Page’s cockiness quickly evaporates at the arrival of Da Man, and the two men have an intense stare down as Thunder comes to a close, Mike Tenay hastily reminding everyone to order the Pay Per View! [79%]

Bonus Questions
1) Which match will have the highest overall EWR Rating?
2) How many matches will end in a finish without a pin fall or submission?
3) What team will take the fall in the Tag Titles match?
4) Who scores the fall in the Flair & Hart vs. Revolution match?
5) Is Hulk Hogan the greatest wrestler ever (Hint - The answer is YES)

After an opening video package that gives hype to much of the card for tonight’s Pay per View (although the heavy focus is on the World Heavyweight Championship and The Revolution’s tag team match with Ric Flair and Bret Hart), it is officially Pay Per View time! Tonight’s show is live in the exuberant MGM Arena, and Tony Schiavone and Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan are ready and waiting to call all the action. The heavy focus is still on Hulk Hogan, as according to Schiavone’s sources, Hogan’s whereabouts are unknown - meaning we may not even have a World Heavyweight Championship match tonight! The Hogan-centric talk continues for another minute or so before the poppy music of Buff Bagwell’s plays to kick start the lengthy wrestling action for tonight’s event.

The match continues in the style of an intense, hard-hitting brawl for several minutes, resulting in the fight spilling to the outside. The Dog Faced Gremlin tackles Bagwell into the guardrail, but Bagwell then ducks a Steiner right hand, causing him to punch the ring post. Bagwell looks to deck his opponent with a clothesline, but Steiner ducks it, and drops him onto the protective mats at ringside with a belly-to-back suplex! Referee Johnny Boone almost counts both men out in the process of their brawl, but the DFG brings the action back into the ring. While the tempo slows, Steiner tries to keep up the intensity with continued stiff strikes between a DDT and spinning belly-to-belly suplex. Steiner covers: One! Two! T- Shoulder Up. Continuing his no-nonsense approach, Steiner knees Bagwell in the head as he gets onto all fours, covers him again, but The Stuff again kicks out. Looking for another impact blow, the TV Champ lifts Buff onto his shoulders for a Steiner Driver (Death Valley Driver), but Bagwell slips out and hits a neck breaker! After a moments rest, Bagwell goes back on the offensive with right hands, and then scores with a scoop powerslam. Reminding fans of his aerial abilities (that he used to possess pre-anabolic steroids), Bagwell then gets up onto the second turnbuckle, waits for Steiner to get up, and hits a diving shoulder block! Pin. One! Two! Thr- Kick Out.

After an atomic drop, Bagwell downs his opponent with a swinging neck breaker, focusing on the neck for the Blockbuster. Any attempts to soon execute the finisher are quickly evaporated though as Steiner reverses an Irish whip, sending Buff into the corner turnbuckles. The Dog Faced Gremlin charges, and hits a running side elbow strike. Wanting to make good on his word to re-injure Bagwell’s neck, Steiner clubs him over the neck with hard forearm strikes, snapmares him to the canvas, hits the ropes, and delivers a running knee to the back of his neck! That looked painful! Cover. One! Two! Th- Shoulder Up. While the DFG continues to use a lot of stiff shots to Buff, a lot of its trajectory is at Buff’s neck. The Stuff tries to fight back, and gets dumped on his neck with a bridging dragon suplex for his troubles! One! Two! Three- Kick Out! That was close, and Rick Steiner stays close to the victory with a chickenwing powerbomb, but again Bagwell kicks out just before three.

After putting more pain on Buff’s neck – this time with a double arm DDT – Steiner stomps his neck and stands on the second turnbuckle. As Bagwell staggers to his feet, the DFG jumps – STEINER BULLDOG – into a back elbow! Bagwell gets an arm up, knocking Steiner back into the corner on impact. Only dazed, Steiner charges back at Bagwell, and runs into a spinning sit-out spinebuster! Excellent counter by Bagwell! Both men stay down, but Johnny Boone need not count, as The Stuff soon pulls himself up to his feet. Buff is up, and he beats the would–be bad ass with hard right hands. Bagwell knocks him back into the ropes, whips him across the ring, and puts him down with a sidewalk slam. Now it is Buff who heads to the second turnbuckle, and as Steiner pulls himself up to his feet, Bagwell goes for the kill. His aim is true – BUFF BLOCKBUSTER connects! Bagwell covers – One! Two! Three! We have a new Television Champion… on Pay Per View, no less! Bagwell pulls himself up to his feet, and proudly raises his newly won title, remarkably his first ever singles piece of gold in WCW. It’s a proud moment for the Marietta native, and there is no swagger or arrogance as he celebrates this victory; this is the dream of a young boy come true. After congratulating Bagwell’s title win, Tony Schiavone remarks that is one new Champion in 1 try; “by the end of the night, will we have more new champions… like Eddy Guerrero or Hulk Hogan!?” [73%]

BERLYN (w/The Wall & Uda Ludendorf) versus VAN HAMMER (w/Jim Duggan)
The music of Jim Duggan means the crowd will care about USA for a few moments as World War 2 is re-lived in this match. Van Hammer tries to start the match in his WW2-esque Army helmet, but referee Scott Dickenson rules it a foreign object. This match really presents a clash of styles – physical and the obvious culture – as Berlyn is much more of a cruiserweight while Hammer is a big powerhouse kind of boy. Germans aren’t intimidated by mere Americans though, and Berlyn tries to lock up with Van Hammer, but the Flag wearing patriot easily out muscles him, pushing him around and eventually shoving the Kraut to the canvas. Berlyn wants a second lock-up despite the size differences, baiting Hammer into it and then kicking him in the mid-section. The German then launches an attack on Van Hammer with a flurry of punches, knocking the big blonde all the way into the corner.

The Yankee turns the tides though, flipping their positions and punching and kicking away at his opponent. Giving the American crowd something to be happy about, Van Hammer then stands on the second turnbuckle and rattles off 10 big right hands to Berlyn’s cranium, Jim Duggan and the crowd counting each one. Almost as if Hammer is toying with the little German, he then lifts Berlyn up a few moments later and performs the Airplane Spin, resulting in a dizzy Berlyn staggering around the ring until Hammer clotheslines him up and over the top rope. “USA, USA!” The proud American takes the fight to the outside, beating away some more on his opponent.

The crowd’s focus is disrupted though by movement in the audience… The Outsiders are making their way through the crowd! And they’re selling! Scott Hall is administering beer (“Oh please all be of the legal age” – Tony Schiavone) while Kevin Nash is selling foot long hot dogs, giving one to an attractive red head (“I’m sure she wants a foot long from Nash” – the rowdy and lewd Bobby Heenan). The Outsiders make it all the way to the guardrail, with Scott Hall sticking his arm out across the railing to give Duggan a beer. The vet chugs it to big cheers, and The Outsiders then make their way back through the crowd to their vending stand. The distraction of The Outsiders took the focus off of the match, including Dickenson, which has allowed the Germans to capitalize as The Wall blindsided Hammer with a running forearm to the back of the head. The Wall also slammed Van Hammer’s face off the top of the ring steps, allowing Berlyn to gain control of the match. The German drop toe holds Van Hammer, sending him face first into the guardrail! Berlyn then has Uda Ludendorf distract the referee, allowing him to take his metallic cane and choke Van Hammer with it!

Fearing (if Germans know fear, of course) retribution from Jim Duggan, Berlyn rolls Hammer back into the ring. Launching in air strike, Berlyn then heads up top – and hits a flying cross body! Into a cover – One! Two! Th – Kick Out! Taking away the size difference, the Kraut slows the pace down while mainly keeping Hammer at a horizontal base, mixing in a lot of stomps with submissions. Still using his speed, Berlyn also heads up to the second turnbuckle at one point, and hits a flying fist drop. One! Two! Three - Shoulder Up. Berlyn soon locks Van Hammer in a STF submission hold, almost bringing the match to an end as Hammer yells in pain. It’s a struggle, but the Yank is able to crawl and eventually latch onto the middle rope. Feeling the success of the submission approach, Berlyn then locks a standing Van in the dreaded sleeper hold. Hammer quickly starts to fade as Dickenson checks on him, and his arm falls limp twice. Duggan and the crowd cheer him on with renewed “USA” chants – and Hammer keeps his arm up on the third attempt. Feeling the energy of the crowd and his mentor, Van Hammer pumps his arms up and down as he pulls himself into a good position to elbow Berlyn in the gut. Hammer elbows Berlyn until he can slip behind him, and lifts him into an atomic drop. Fighting through the pain, Berlyn runs off the ropes and charges his opponent, but the big man hits a tilt-a-whirl slam!

Taking a few moments to recuperate, Hammer is then ready for war once again. Battering Berlyn with right hands, Hammer then hits an inverted atomic drop to daze Berlyn. Strolling, Hammer grabs the kraut by the legs and lifts him upside down over his back, and drives him to the canvas with a double leg slam! Cove. One! Two! Berlyn gets a foot on the bottom rope! Berlyn just barely manges to survive. Knowing the end is oon here, Van Hammer puts his leg as the German slowly pulls himself upright. Van Hammer runs off the ropes for the Big Boot, but The Wall grabs his ankle! Berlyn’s bodyguard halts the American’s momentum, and Van Hammer turns around, challenging The Wall to a fight. The two jaw jack, allowing Berlyn to sneak up behind Hammer, quickly pull him back into an inverted front face lock, and hit a Roll of the Dice type maneuver. “That’s The Final Solution!” yells The Brain, the worst and most inappropriate name ever for that finish. Berlyn covers anyways after the finisher – One! Two! Three! The German steal the victory over the Americans! Upset over the tainted finish, Jim Duggan and his 2x4 enter the ring post-match, causing Berlyn to scurry to the outside, where he reconvenes with his German contingent. The heels celebrate their win up the aisle, while Jim Duggan pulls Hammer up to his feet. The veteran claps his protégé on the shoulder and promises payback. Van Hammer nods in agreement, and Schiavone redundantly announces this was just one battle in a long war! [62%]

Hogan Watch
As Schiavone utters those words, the PPV cuts to the back, where Scott Hudson is outside of Hulk Hogan’s locker room. Hudson announces that he has been waiting here for a while now to see if Hogan is inside, and he can officially confirm that Hogan has NOT yet shown up in Las Vegas, or at least here at the MGM. “So Tony, while we may have a new Television Champion – congrats Buff – I can’t even begin to speculate if we’ll have a new World Heavyweight Champion… because we don’t even know if Hulk Hogan will show up tonight, or what kind of condition he’ll be in after he was so brutally assaulted by Sting’s baseball bat on Monday Nitro!” Scott Hudson promises to provide us with any updates on Hogan if he gets them, however.

Booker tags his brother in, but Stevie Ray is hardly given a chance to build any momentum as Brian Knobs soon blind tags himself in. Referee Mark ‘Slick’ Johnson is the bearer of bad news, forcing the reluctant Ray to his corner; which allows Hugh Morrus to illegally enter the ring. The First Family capitalize with a double DDT, and Knobs then covers. One! Two! Slingshot Leg Drop to the back of Knobs’ head! Rey Mysterio Jr. flies in to the break up the count! Mark Johnson again has to get a man to his respective corner, and the West Texas Rednecks are the team to utilize the distraction this time. Barry Windham enters the ring, throws Knobs out of it, and high fives himself to mislead the ref that a tag has been made. While Jimmy Hart berates the cheap trick, Windham carries on, whipping Kidman into the ropes and dropping him face first with a hand-angled flapjack. Kendall Windham gets a tag from his brother, and the Windhams link up with a double vertical suplex.

The less prestigious Windham uses big clobbering blows on the resilient Kidman, and then picks up another near fall with a gourdbuster. However, the Rednecks’ run comes to an end moments later when Kendall picks Kidman up for a Powerbomb. Windham slingshots him off the third rope, but as he goes for the slam, Kidman counters, reversing into a sit-out facebuster. Why? Because you don’t powerbomb Billy Kidman~! After a slow crawl, tags are made, Kidman slapping his partner’s hand while Kendal begrudgingly tags in Hugh Morrus. Eager for battle, Mysterio ducks a Morrus clothesline, springboards off the ropes, and hits a corkscrew cross body block! Mysterio hops off, springboards again, and hits a Moonsault! One! Two! Th- Kick Out! The match continues at the helter skelter pace, as Mysterio continues the high risk approach, heading up to the top turnbuckle after a big roundhouse kick. Bad decision by Rey-Rey, as Barry Windham pushes him off, sending him crashing to the canvas!

This allows Morrus to tag in his partner, while Stevie Ray gets a tag from Mysterio. The two big men go to town with wild haymakers, but again the action is prematurely interrupted. Double blind tags are made as the two men run off the ropes, resulting in Billy Kidman hitting a springboard swinging hurricanrana to Ray, while Barry Windham blindsides Knobs with a forearm to the back of the head. Windham and Kidman, the two legal men, are set to duke it out, but Hugh Morrus – not happy with the blind tag affecting his team – enters the ring as well, attacking Barry Windham in revenge. This brings Kendall Windham in as well, and the West Texas Rednecks, Kidman, and Morrus all trade blows – only for Rey Mysterio to fly from the top turnbuckle with a corkscrew cross body! The momentum sends Morrus and Kendall to the outside, and Kidman then adds to the pile by throwing Brian Knobs out of the ring too. Loving the high risk, Kidman and Mysterio run off the ropes – Booker blind tags himself in the process – and away the Filthy Animals go – springboard Shooting Star Press and somersault senton!

That draws a big pop as all five men go crashing down! Booker T enters the ring to find Barry Windham pulling himself up from Mysterio’s earlier high flying attack – and Booker runs off the ropes and hits the Harlem Axe Kick! Booker decks Windham with his finisher, and he makes the cover as Stevie Ray stands guard to prevent any interference. One! Two! Three! Harlem Heat retain the Titles! The crowd cheers the victory for the bothers, who, despite losing to all three of these teams in a row earlier, have defeated six men to keep their gold. Curt Hennig, silent throughout the whole match surprisingly, is furious at the result, and so is Jimmy Hart. Hennig takes it one step further though, bitterly walking to the back on his own, leaving his partners back to recover and exit together. The five men all recover on the outside, and the teams slowly disperse to the back, allowing the moment to belong to the still reigning WCW Tag Team Champions. [78%]

ERNEST MILLER (w/Sonny Onoo) versus NORMAN SMILEY
Usually such a fun-loving figure, Smiley wastes no time as he comes out firing with big right hands as the bell rings. Furious that his celebrations from his victorious Nitro Dance-Off were cut short because of The Cat’s attack, Smiley enthralls Miller with jabs, hitting a combo of punches and then knocking him into the corner with a European Uppercut. Opting for pain over pleasure, Smiley lights up The Cat’s chest with a big overhead slap. He repeats the move several more times, Miller yelling out in pain with every strike. Smiley continues to beat on The Cat some more with this aggressive approach, eventually bringing him out of the corner and hitting a scoop slam. Cover by Smiley. One! Two! Kick Out! As Smiley dominates, his happy demeanor re-appears, giving the crowd a little shimmy and shake after a vertical supple. It’s not all hunky dory for too long, as Miller is able to fight his way back into contention, shoving Smiley back enough to land a quick sole kick to the solar plexes. Having space to use his educated feet, The Cat delivers a series of kicks Smiley’s calves and hamstrings, knocking him down to his knees. The Cat runs off the ropes and hits Smiley with a running knee to the chest! Cover. One! Two! Th- Shoulder Up! Miller shows no frustration, whipping Smiley into the corner and delivering a plethora of kicks to the mid-section. The Cat whips Smiley into the opposite corner then, and proceeds to show off his athleticism, running and hitting a cartwheel spinning crescent kick to the side of his head! As Smiley drops face first to the canvas, Miller pauses to dance in celebration, Onoo enthusiastically applauding his client’s antics.

The Cat finally makes a cover then, but the delay allows the Brit to kick out at two. Using his martial arts background, Miller continues to control, planting Smiley with a side kick and then an enziguri for another two count. However, as Miller’s dominance furthers, his ego increases as well, leading to The Cat dancing more than wrestling, as well as insulting Smiley and his “inferior” dancing skills. After whipping Smiley into the corner and stopping to break dance, The Cat charges, but Smiley uses the ropes to lift him up and evade The Cat – and Smiley flips the counter into a sunset flip! One! Two! Thre- Kick Out! Smiley almost steals a win because of The Cat’s arrogance! Both men get up to their feet, and Miller reacts first, using a sly thumb to the eye to aid him, allowing him to then crush Smiley with a bicycle kick! Cover. One! Two! Thre- Shoulder Up! His arrogance almost costing him once doesn’t stop Ernest Miller from showboating again, and again Smiley makes him pay for it. Taking too long to run his mouth and remind the fans that he’s the greatest, The Cat whiffs on a spinning wheel kick, Smiley ducking thanks to the long wait. As The Cat gets up to his feet, Smiley grips him up right away, and hits a double underhook suplex!

Both men go down momentarily, but Smiley regains control as the action resumes, overpowering his opponent with right hands. The Cat tries to fight back with a right of his own, but Smiley catches it and hits a hip toss. That puts Miller down, and as he slowly pulls himself up to all fours, Smiley gets behind him, licks his lips, rubs his chest, and starts spanking that ass – the Smiley Smack! It gets the biggest pop of the early night, and a humiliated Miller gets up to his feet, furiously and wildly charges Smiley – but the Brit dodges and locks on the Norman’s Conquest! The Crossface Chickenwing is applied, and Miller screams in pain! Sonny Onoo frantically hops onto the apron to distract referee Scott Silverman, meaning he is oblivious to Miller tapping out! Miller is tapping, but the ref is distracted by Onoo! As the tow argue and Smiley keeps the hold locked in, there’s movement from under the ring!? A little black person rolls out from under the ring, unbeknownst to all, enters the ring, and low blows Smiley from behind! A midget has just appeared and low blowed Norman Smiley! That breaks the hold, and the black midget rolls out of the ring! He scurries off to the back with a grin on his face, and Onoo – knowing what just transpired – hops off the apron. Silverman turns back to the match, just in time to see Miller recover from the submission, bounce off the ropes… and hit the FELINER! The corkscrew roundhouse kick connects, and The Cat covers. One! Two! Three! The Cat steals the win from Smiley! Onoo excitedly gets into the ring to celebrate with his client as the crowd boos the tainted finish. Miller gets up to his feet and embraces Onoo, the manager then laughing into the camera that they are the greatest. As the two leave the ring and celebrate up the aisle, Smiley slowly gets to his feet, bitter about the tainted defeat. Bobby Heenan only wants to know one thing – “who is that little midget, and where can I get one!?” [72%]

The New Jersey Disintegration
Standing in for the injured ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund tonight is Scott Hudson, who stands alone with Diamond Dallas Page. Hudson reminds DDP of the excellent match he had with Goldberg at this exact show one year ago, despite the losing effort. A lot had changed sin then, Hudson points out, and reminds Page that he has no back-up whatsoever against Goldberg after he injured both Chris Kanyon and Bam Bam Bigelow. Sneering, DDP confirms that a lot has changed from one-year ago – “Goldberg los the World Heavyweight Title and made a D-list movie… while I became the greatest two-time, two-time, TWO-TIME… World Heavyweight Champion!” Page remarks that he is now the bigger star than Goldberg, and he is the favorite to win tonight’s match; Goldberg is the underdog. Despite this “fact,” DDP says he has heard nothing except comments like he fears Goldberg and he needs back-up to defeat him. “Well let me reiterate for the morons out there: DDP’s the favorite tonight! I guarantee a victory tonight for the King of Badda Bing ‘cause Goldilocks is gonna feel… the BANG!”

Despite putting himself in a great mood, Hudson pops the balloon by saying that people are still listing Goldberg as the favorite for their match. “Well that’s two times now you been wrong!” remarks a voice from off-camera. The culprit walks into the shot – it’s Chris Kanyon! DDP’s best friend and chief lackey claps Page on the shoulder and declares that not only is DDP the favorite tonight, he also is not alone – “cause who betta than Kanyon to be in da house!?” While Kanyon grins and emphatically nods his head, his leader actually looks perturbed. “Yo, CK, DDP fights his own battles! It’s because of you and Bam Bam Big-Gut that those monkeys say I fear Goldberg! I’m the star, jack! I’m gonna win tonight, and I’m gonna do it without you. Step off, Kanyon. You are the weakest link; goodbye!” DDP then walks past Kanyon, shoulder checking him on the way. Broken hearted at DDP’s rejection, Kanyon looks ready to cry for several seconds. His sadness then contorts into anger, and like a cheesy comic book villain, raises his fist and bellows into the camera, “PAGE! You will pay for this!” Furious, Kanyon then storms off in the opposite direction, while Hudson announces that The Triad have disintegrated right before his very eyes, and questions the wild card that is now Chris Kanyon. The feed returns to the ring, and Schiavone believes that Kanyon could play a pivotal role in DDP’s match now – “but not for Page!”

It was a mere play by Lodi, as this allows Lenny to recover from a DDT, sneak up on Karagias, and hit a running bulldog. Finally able to control the tempo of the match, the Champion reminds us that despite his over the top gimmick, he does have talent. After dazing Karagias with a shoulder jawbreaker, Lenny springboards off the second turnbuckle and scores with a missile dropkick. Mike Tenay alludes to the move being copied from Lenny’s mentor, but obviously doesn’t outright say Chris Jericho’s name. Asserting his dominance, Lane hits a gutwrench powerbomb for two, and then heads up top and flies with a Moonsault – into Karagias’ knees! Karagias gets his knees up to block the Moonsault, taking the wind out of Lane’s sails. Both cruiserweights are slow to get up to their feet after the spot, although Lenny quickly regains control once both upright. Lenny subdues Karagisas and whips him into the corner. The Champ charges and looks for a leaping avalanche, but Karagias rolls out of the way – face first into the top turnbuckle pad for Lenny Lane!

Karagias keeps the action in the corner, boosting Lane up to the top turnbuckle in a seated position, facing the crowd. Karagias then gets underneath his opponent – sit-out powerbomb! One! Two! Three- Shoulder Up! Oh Karagias thought he had it there! After grimacing in frustration, Karagias pulls Lane up to his feet, and hits a scoop powerslam. Karagias then heads up to the top and waits for Lenny to get up. The youngster prepares to fly with his Missile Dropkick, but Lenny knows it’s coming, and immediately dives at the ropes. Karagias gave Lenny too much time, and the Champion landing on the ropes causes Karagias to lose his balance and crotch himself! Karagias flips to the canvas after the rookie mistake, and Lenny pounces, pulling him up to his feet and hitting the Memory Lane (Full Nelson Facebuster)! Lenny covers. One! Two! Three! Lenny retains after the rookie mistake from Karagias, and Lodi is in the ring to celebrate. Lenny jumps up in a hug, wrapping his legs around his partner’s waist to form the gay celebration embrace. And this is why the feed cuts to the back. [71%]

Guerrero, feeding off the crowd’s cheers for him, continues to punch Sid on the outside, staggering him enough to jump off the apron – missile dropkick knocks Sid into the guardrail! Guerrero screams at his opponent in Spanish, and then attacks his chest with knife edge chops. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen Sid take a beating like this!” – Tony Schiavone. Fat Tony, fat fuck that he is, ruins Eddy’s great run with those words. Looking to fly again from the apron, Sid catches Eddy this time, grabbing him and ramming his spine into the ring post! Having taken the wind out of Eddy’s sails, the undefeated US Champion is able to assert himself on the match finally, whipping Guerrero into the side of the ring… and then delivering a modified Snake Eyes, dropping Eddy face first onto the guardrail! The action gets back into the ring, and Sid yells psychotically before bating on Eddy in the corner. After a plethora of punches, the Master and Ruler of the World extends his tree trunk of a leg, enabling him to choke his opponent with his boot! Robinson lightly reprimands Sid for the violation, but makes no effort to force a break. By the time Sid releases his choke, Eddy can barely breathe – so Sid takes away the rest of his air with a hellacious clothesline!

With The Millennium Man putting himself in full control of the match, the pace – and work rate – stalls tremendously. Sid spends much of the next several minutes crushing Guerrero with brawling tactics, hitting a few simple slams throughout. The Master and Ruler attempts a few pins as well, but the tenacious Guerrero won’t go down easily. In fact, eddy slips out of a scoop slam attempt, landing behind Sid and tripping him to the canvas. Trying to gather some momentum, Eddy runs off the ropes for his next attack – but runs straight into a Big Boot! Cover – One! Two! Thr- Shoulder Up! The slow, brawl-heavy offense resumes for Sid, the liveliest action coming from a sidewalk slam for another two count. Despite his mental instability, Sid knows he must broaden his horizons to defeat Guerrero. After more punches and kicks in the corner, The Millennium Man hoists Eddy up onto the top turnbuckle in a seated position. Sid hits eddy some more, and tries to choke toss Guerrero back to the canvas – but Eddy lands a stray kick to Sid’s face! Staggering the Millennium Man, Eddy kicks Sid again, creating distance between the two. This allows Guerrero to stand on the top turnbuckle… walk the ropes, jump off – and hit a hurricanrana! Into a pin! One! Two! Thre- Kick Out! Oh Eddy almost stole it!

The great burst of energy and athleticism by Eddy slows Sid’s momentum, but Guerrero knows he can’t slow down and rest if he is to end Sid’s streak at 99. Guerrero dropkicks the Psycho One as he gets to his knees, hits three straight elbow drops, and then a slingshot somersault senton bomb! And now a cover – One! Two! Thr- Kick Out! Yelling in Spanish again as he pulls both men to their feet, Guerrero hits a few forearm strikes, runs off the ropes, jumps at Sid with a Quesadora, and drives Sid to the canvas with a bulldog! Guerrero foregoes the cover this time, rolling Sid onto his back – and Guerrero’s heading up. Eddy climbs to the top turnbuckle and flies – FROG SPLASH – connects! Guerrero hits the Frog Splash, and hooks the leg as he covers. The streak is over – One! Two! Three!

NO! Somehow, someway, Sid comes up with a thunderous kick out just before the three! Guerrero, on his knees, looks in utter disbelief; he was certain he had the match won there. His confidence dented after the kick out, Eddy shakes his head and reluctantly pulls Sid back up to his feet. Needing to stay constantly moving, Guerrero looks for high risk again. He locks Sid in an arm wrench, and climbs up to the top turnbuckle. Eddy walks the ropes for a second hurricanrana – but Sid holds on to Eddy on the attempt – POWERBOMB! Sid hits his ‘Bomb from nothing, and covers. One! Two! Three- Shoulder Up! The crowd pops as Eddy shows equal resiliency to kick out of a finisher. However, Sid is unfazed, pulling Guerrero up to his feet by his hair – and hits a Chokeslam! Another cover by Sid. One! Two! Three! Eddy can’t kick out! Guerrero put up a courageous fight, but Sid wins yet again – making him now 100-0! The Millennium Man pulls himself up to his feet, and is the first to remind us of the century mark accomplishment. Sid has Lil Naitch raise his arm in victory; he then takes his US Title Belt and walks out, a deranged victor. As Eddy recovers in the ring, the commentators talk up the incredible fight he gave Sid, including The Brain. “I gotta give Eddy praise, Tony. He put on a fine display, an inspiration fight… and it just wasn’t enough. Eddy’s pride and tradition couldn’t stop Sid… I don’t know what can!” [79%]

The Ambassador
Instead of another match, the music of The American Dream hits, and out comes Dusty Rhodes! The plump former NWA Champion hasn’t been seen in months, abut out he waddles in a WCW polo and cowboy hat. Rhodes gets a mic from David Penzer as he gets into the ring, and after playing to his fans, addresses the viewers. “Now I know dat Dub-See-Dubya is in a hectic change of powa’ right now wit’ out a President, and ‘cause o’ that, we’re seein’ all sorts of violence n’ anar-kay.” Rhodes points out Gene Okerlund being attacked by Lex Luger, the vicious mind games of Sting, The Outsiders being banned and censored, and The Revolution running riot as examples. With that being said, Dusty Rhodes reminds everyone of one constant source of authority in WCW, and that is the Championship Committee, which is responsible for booking all the title matches in WCW. “Well da’ suits of Dubya-See-Dubya, the big wigs, they met with the Championship Co’mittee, and dey both say dat Dubya-See-Dubya needs a man o’ great characta’ ta’ represent the will of da Committee in front of all da’ boys in da back. Dey thought long n’ hard and da man dey picked ta’ be da Ambassada’ of da Co’mittee is none otha’ than ya’s too-lay, de American Dweam, Dust’ay Rhodes!”

After applause, Rhodes states that he’ll enforce the decisions of the Championship Committee, as well as serve as a member of said committee. And he had his first decree as Ambassador, and he says it has to do with not only next month’s PPV, Mayhem, but the Grand Daddy of ‘Em All, Starrcade. “Now see here, Mayhem, which is live on Novemba’ 24th, it ain’t called World War 3 nomore, obvious’lay. But dat don’t mean… dere ain’t gonna be no World War Three!” Rhodes announces that to introduce some real Mayhem to WCW, there must be War, and the 3-ring, 60-man battle royal will do just that. “N’ ta’ whicheva’ man is the sole surviva’ of World War 3… well dat man will be da man who gets ta’ challenge the Worl’ Heavyweight Champion in the main event of Starrcade!” Leaving the fans with that announcement, Rhodes says they’ll be seeing more of him in the coming weeks, and tells the fans to enjoy the rest of the show. Rhodes then exits, leaving the announcers to tlak about World War 3 until it’s time for the next match.

DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE versus GOLDBRG
As the two men make their entrances – Goldberg in his full length walk from the back, DDP subdued and alone – Tony Schiavone wants to talk only about the fact that DDP is all alone and will finally have to take on Goldberg one-on-one. Bobby Heenan isn’t worried, even after the earlier falling out between Page and Chris Kanyon; Bam Bam Bigelow is useless and Kanyon an idiot – DDP is gonna beat “Greenberg” tonight! Showing focus and no swagger, Page tries to lock up with Da Man, but after a minor struggle, Goldberg shoves him to the mat to a big pop. Furious, Dallas tries a lock-up a second time, but again to the same result. Try as he might, he is just not as strong as Bill Goldberg. Not to be deterred, DDP offers a test of strength, which Goldberg accepts. The two lock hands and go chest-to-chest, battling their strengths. DDP gives it his all, but Goldberg is able to eventually start bending Page backwards, causing the King of Badda Bing to yelp in pain.

With the crowd continuously chanting “Goldberg”, Page breaks the lock and take a timeout on the outside, looking ready to have a temper tantrum. Needing to change his game plan, DDP tries to lure Goldberg to the outside through name calling, but a laugh as all Goldberg gives him. “’Nuh uh, DDP,’ says Goldberg. ‘You can’t cheat or trick me; get in here and face me like a man’!” – Tony Schiavone. That is what DDP must do, and as the two prepare to lock up again, Page thumbs him in the eye! Blinded, Da Man is momentarily defenseless as DDP quickly fires off right hands, jabbing Goldberg into the corner. Page shows great intensity, hitting multiple shoulder thrusts to Berg’s ribcage and then side elbow strikes to his face. Despite taking the heavy shots, Goldberg fights back, snatching Page by the throat and reversing their positions! Goldberg hits several big uppercuts, dazing DDP as he staggers out of the corner… and into a clothesline!

Goldberg is dominant over his rival, shutting Page’s big mouth with a plethora of right hands, and then hitting a dragon screw. It’s all fun for Goldberg, getting to hurt DDP, and he takes great pleasure in lifting Page up – and hitting a pumphandle drop/suplex! Goldberg doesn’t even think to cover, instead happily adding a few stomps as well. Goldberg’s onslaught continues as he beats on DDP for a few more minutes, mainly attacking him in the corner, all to the crowd’s delight. The whole time Goldberg doesn’t go for a pin, wanting to embarrass DDP for making him have to “earn” the “right” to wrestle him and endure all the taunting. It’s all too much for Page, as he has to roll under the ropes to the outside again after a military press drop. This time Da Man pursues, joining Dallas on the outside and whipping him into the guardrail! It’s nothing but fun for Goldberg as he continues to beat on DDP with right hands – but from out of nowhere, Page takes Goldberg down with a drop toe hold, knocking ‘Berg’s face off the guardrail! Goldberg hit that steel rail at an awkward angle, and that did some damage. The spot gives the King of Badda Bing a few moments to recuperate, and he allots himself some more time when he whips Goldberg into the ring post! Face first into the steel! Knowing how hard it is to put Goldberg down, Page keeps the match on the outside, only entering the ring to stop Nick Patrick’s 10 count and then exit it again. Using his surroundings to his advantage, DDP continues to use the ring post and guardrail in his offense, and also drives Goldberg’s face off the steel ring steps. The tactic works well for Page, as the fight on the outside has an obvious effect in weakening his opponent. After a front suplex onto the guardrail leaves Goldberg dangling over the railing, Page delivers a hard kick to his opponent’s torso, causing Da Man to flop onto the mats.

Feeling he’s done enough, Diamond finally rolls Goldberg back into the ring and pins him, but Goldberg gets a shoulder up at two. Keeping on the offensive, Page hits a side slam and swinging neck breaker in between intermittent right hands. Schiavone is shocked at how much in control DDP is in, but The Brain boasts that he has complete faith in DDP. Almost as if the two are broadcasting dramatic irony, Goldberg starts mounting a comeback, hitting a few right hands as DDP pulls him up to his feet. Wanting to knock him back down again, Page tries to hit a belly-to-back suplex, but Goldberg elbows his way free. Da Man reverses Page’s ensuing Irish Whip, and as DDP runs at him, Goldberg catches him with a rotating powerslam! One! Two! Thre- Kick Out! Both men are slow to get up to their feet, and when they do, they exchange right hands. The slow brawl starts to escalate, much to Goldberg’s advantage as his hard rights stagger Pager. Getting him reeling, ‘Berg runs off the ropes, but Dallas catches him with a knee to the gut. With Goldberg doubled over as a result, DDP lifts him up into a pumphandle – but turns it into a hard looking backbreaker! What a move! Cover. One! Two! Thre- Kick Out! DDP thought he just won the match, and curses in frustration. Heenan wills him on from the booth, saying he doesn’t need riff-raff like Kanyon or Bigelow – go for the kill! Dallas looks to do just that as he pulls Goldberg up to his feet and hits a European Uppercut to daze Da Man. DDP bounces off the ropes and leaps off his feet – DIAMOND CUTTER – but Goldberg wraps his arms around DDP’s waist! That keeps Page on his feet, and Goldberg pushes Page into the ropes. Goldberg charges him for more impact – and SPEARS him! Down goes Page!

Goldberg is slow to get up, having taken a beating as well. However, Da Man pulls himself up and does his signature taunt, which means only one thing – Jackhammer time! Goldberg pulls Page up to his feet - but Page is pulled out of the ring! It’s Chris Kanyon! Page looks confused as he finds himself on the outside, and then yells at Kanyon, berating him for interfering in the match. Goldberg is pissed at the break in the action, and is shocked at what happens next as Kanyon responds to his verbal assault by SHOVING Diamond Dallas Page! No one can believe it, despite their confrontation earlier in the night, but everyone is furious as Nick Patrick has no choice but to call for the bell; he’s ending the match! David Penzer announces to the crowd, “the winner of this match as a result of disqualification… Diamond Dallas Page!” The crowd is livid at the result, and Goldberg looks ready to kill someone that he just lost this match through no fault of his own. DDP and Kanyon continue to argue on the outside, Page saying he wanted to fight alone and doesn’t need Kanyon, while Kanyon screams he is not Page’s lackey. Mad, Goldberg starts to exit the ring to attack both men – but is blindsided! Someone just entered the ring from the crowd and attacked Goldberg. What!? That’s Scott Norton! The former nWo enforcer clubs Goldberg from behind with a forearm to the back of the head!

Heads turn at the attack from nowhere, and Page and Kanyon stop arguing – and enter the ring to join in on the attack! This was a set-up! The three men beat away at Goldberg, who puts up the best fight possible. Goldberg holds them off with wild right hands, but the powerful Scott Norton runs him over eventually with a clothesline. The three men lay the boots to ‘Berg until they pull him up to his feet… so Norton can drop him on his head with a kneeling Powerbomb! DDP and Kanyon laugh and embrace, rejoicing that they fooled the referee into giving Page the victory over Bill Goldberg. With Da Man knocked down, Page stands over him yelling, “I told ya’ I was better than you, Scumberg!” Leaving on the highest note possible, Page has Norton pull Goldberg back up to his feet- and hits him with the DIAMOND CUTTER! The crowd – and Schiavone – are furious at the chain of events, and the new look Triad stroll up the entrance aisle to the back after the Cutter, Kanyon proudly boasting about Page’s victory over Goldberg. As Goldberg struggles – but does – to pull himself upright, Heenan laughs at what transpired – “He guaranteed victory, Tony, and like it or not, DDP once again delivered the good, baby!” The camera gets one last look at a furious Goldberg in the ring; this battle is far from over. [92%]

BRET HART & RIC FLAIR (w/Arn Anderson) versus CHRIS BENOIT & SHANE DOUGLAS (w/Dean Malenko & Perry Saturn
The crowd is heated for this match, and Arn Anderson plays the proud role of cheerleader, pumping up the crowd as the bell rings. He’s no Enforcer though; that role is shared between Malenko and Saturn. Chris Benoit and Ric Flair are the two men starting the match, and they do so with a collar-and-elbow tie-up. The two go technical, jostling for position, and Flair applies a side head lock. Benoit reverses into a waist lock, but Naitch replies with an arm wrench. The pace of the duel increases as The Crippler counters with a hammer lock, and the two men go hold for hold, back and forth, until the Nature Boy takes The Crippler down to the canvas with a snap mare. Naitch tries to apply a reverse chin lock, but Benoit elbows him off, trips him to the canvas, and gets up to his feet. Benoit stands tall over Flair as the veteran gets up to his feet, but Naitch simply brushes himself off, stands up, and chops Benoit! Benoit replies with a knife edge chop of his own! Knife edge chop! Knife edge! Knife edge! Knife edge! Back and forth the former Horsemen go again, this time duking it out with the knife edge chops, the crowd chanting the obligatory “WOO” throughout. The two redden up each others’ chest, and the fuel is a stalemate until Benoit breaks the battle with a headbutt! The cheap strike staggers Flair, who replies by giving a tag to the demanding Bret Hart.

Hart enters the ring, eager to lock up with Benoit; he’s still having none of that, and Benoit tags out to Shane Douglas. The cocky Franchise comes in trying to beat The Hitman at his own game with a tie-up, which proves foolish. The Hitman quickly wrestles circles around Douglas, transitioning from hold-to-hold and then eventually driving him to the canvas with a waist lock takedown. Hart humiliates Douglas some more with an arm scissors, but opts to tag Flair back in. The Nature Boy explodes into the ring, wanting to get his hands on the architect behind the ruse to humiliate him over the past month. After hitting a leaping knee drop, Flair drags Douglas to his feet by the nose and socks him with straight punches. Referee Mickey Jay admonishes Flair, who responds by going back to knife edge chops, hitting Douglas into the corner with his trademark chops. Pent up aggression carries the Nature Boy as he assaults The Franchise all across the ring, eventually ending the brawl with a gutwrench suplex. Cover. One! Two! Th- kick out!

Hart and Flair exchange several more tags as they work over Shane Douglas, but the Franchise reverses a whip by Flair into a short-arm clothesline, putting Naitch down long enough to tag in Benoit. Fresh, The Crippler kicks at the downed Flair, only to pull him up and hit a butterfly suplex. The turncoat of the ruse has his way with his former mentor, mixing his strikes with suplexes and submissions. At one point, Benoit dazes Flair with a sequence of knees to the abdomen, downs him with a chickenwing powerbomb, grabs a hold of his legs and smoothly transitions into a Boston Crab. Benoit does his best to hurt Flair’s notoriously bad back, but Naitch slowly crawls to the ropes. It’s not all pleasant for the Nature Boy though, as Douglas walks across the apron and uses the ropes to choke him! The draws Hart’s attention, and he tries to go in after Douglas, only for Mickey Jay to deny him. With the referee distracted, Douglas chokes Flair some more, and Perry Saturn interjects himself as well, uppercutting Flair! The Revolution cease their dirty tricks, but they do make a tag, giving the two the chance for Benoit to whip Flair into a hard clothesline. Laughing over the fallen Flair, Douglas steps on his face and turns his boot, smashing Flair’s face. It’s a low, control-type move to let Shane Douglas show to all that he’s on top of the iconic Nature Boy. A falcon arrow suplex follows, and a cover. One! Two! Thr- Shoulder Up.

Staying in control of the match, The Revolution make frequent tags, continuing to isolate. With the plan is the same, their tactics are different. While Douglas slowly assaults Flair while mainly showboating and taunting him, Benoit’s offense is much more methodical as he applies submissions and hits suplexes. After hitting a release German suplex, Benoit applies an Indian Deathlock submission hold. While painful, the submission doesn’t last long as Douglas convinces The Crippler to tag him back in. Strutting into the ring as if he were the Nature Boy himself, Douglas yells out a “WOO” as he grabs the leg of Flair and slaps on the Figure Four Leg Lock – NO! Flair gets his free leg up and pushes Douglas off of him… and shoulder first into the ring post! With Hart, Anderson, and the capacity crowd cheering him on, Flair crawls to the his corner – but Benoit illegally enters the ring, and pulls Flair away from Hart! Benoit puts his boot into the back of Flair’s head, but is flattened by a clothesline! From Bret Hart! The Hitman has had enough of the cheating, and he’s taking a stand!

Hart ignores the referee as he rattles Benoit with forearm strikes, stopping only to elbow Douglas in the face. Hart cannot be contained as he lashes out, beating on both Benoit and Douglas with right hands, downing Benoit with another clothesline and Douglas a bulldog. Perry Saturn hops onto the apron to try and stop The Hitman, so Hart boots him off the apron to the mats. Mickey Jay finally gets Hart back to his corner, but it really doesn’t matter because Hart’s interjection into the match has given Flair enough time to crawl back to his corner and tag in The Hitman. Now legal, nothing can stop Hart from continuing his rampage, hitting a plethora of right hands to repeatedly knock down both Benoit and Douglas. The Franchise, the other legal man, momentarily subdues Bret Hart with a double axe handle from behind, but The Hitman ducks the ensuing clothesline and drops him with a neck breaker. As Bret Hart gets up to his feet, Benoit breaks his pacifism against Hart, grabbing him from behind and hitting a release German suplex.

That slows the action down as Benoit finally returns to his corner, and Douglas further downs Hart with a shoulder jawbreaker. As Douglas grins Hart down with a seated revere chin lock, Ric Flair rallies the crowd. Hart starts working his way to his feet, reeling off of the crowd’s cheers. Douglas has to transition to a side head lock as The Hitman gets to a vertical base, and Hart shoves Douglas into the ropes – where Flair grabs him by the head and slams him to the canvas! He’s The Dirtiest Player in the Game, folks! Hart tags Ric Flair back in, and Benoit enters the ring too. Hart meets Benoit with a right hand, and throws him over the top rope! The Hitman exits the ring to continue his fight with the man he once called friend, while Flair knife edge chops The Franchise in the corner. As Douglas staggers out, Ric Flair lifts him up and hits a shin breaker! WOO! Flair grabs Douglas’ leg and prepares for the Figure Four, but Dean Malenko jumps on the apron! Mickey Jay is distracted as he yells at Malenko, and Perry Saturn dives into the ring, scoops up the unsuspecting Flair up – and hits the Death Valley Driver!

Saturn exits the ring as Anderson yells at Mickey Jay to pay attention, powerless to actually stop the interference himself now. Hart and Benoit are trading punches in the entrance aisle now, oblivious as Douglas pulls himself up to his feet – and hits Flair with the Pittsburgh Plunge! Shane Douglas covers as Hart finally sees his partner down. The Hitman subdues Benoit and heads back to the ring as Jay counts – One! Two! Three! Bret Hart returns to the ring a moment too late, and The Revolution steal a big upset over Flair and Hart! Happy to escape with a mere victory over his arch rival, Douglas quickly exits the ring as the bell sounds, avoiding the wrath of the furious Bret Hart. The entire Revolution convene in the entrance aisle to celebrate their victory, Shane Douglas shouting to Flair that Douglas is now “the man” and then taunts his enemy with the four fingers of the Horsemen. Arn Anderson and Bret Hart help Flair up to his feet, and the look of fury in his eyes can only mean one thing: this battle is only just beginning for Flair. [78%]

Match? Or No Match?
In a sign of the changing financial times, David Penzer – not Michael Buffer – is in the ring for the main event introductions. The slow, eerie “Crow Theme” brings out the reigning World Heavyweight Champion Sting in his trench coat, while his pompous lackey Lex Luger is behind him, twirling Sting’s black baseball bat, the weapon used to potentially ruin this pending main event. Without a shred of emotion, Sting enters the ring, hands off his belt to senior referee Nick Patrick, and leans in the corner, waiting – like everyone else – for the potential arrival, or lack thereof, of Hulk Hogan. Panzer does all of the pre-match intros, and then introduces Hulk Hogan. “American Made” blares throughout the MGM... to no Hogan. The music cuts off after ten seconds, and Penzer introduces The Hulkster again… and again to no Hogan. Again the music cuts off, but the MGM isn’t quiet; the fans furiously boo, some already starting to litter the ring with trash, expecting another typical, shitty WCW ending…

“HE’S AMERICAN… MAAADE!” Third time’s a charm – here comes Hulk Hogan! There is no glamor or aura about Hogan as he limps down the aisle, hand over his injured back the whole time. Hulk isn’t even dressed to wrestle, wearing one of his many signature t-shirts and black pants. For added affect, Schiavone accurately points out, “is that a hospital bracelet on his wrist!? My God it is! Hulk Hogan must have just come to Las Vega from the hospital, just to fight Sting! Hogan finally gets into the ring, but instead of trying to wrestle, requests a microphone. As if it wasn’t already obvious, Hogan readily admits that he’s not 100% - “nowhere near it, in fact, brother” – after what Sting did to him on Nitro. “But lemme tell ya’ this, jack,” Hogan growls. “If you think Stinger, that you’re gonna kick my ass in front of my little boy – humiliate me in front of my only son and terrify him all at once – and I’m NOT gonna fight you here tonight… then well, ah hell, screw the catchphrases!” Mic shot! Hogan, knowing the match hasn’t started yet, uses the microphone as a weapon, hitting Sting with it in the head! That gets huge cheers from the crowd, and Nick Patrick orders Luger out of the ring as the bell now rings – our main event is underway!

Unconventional in a match usually. Sting opts to turn Hulk around in the corner, giving him free reign to deliver another series of rights and lefts to his unprotected back. Keeping The Hulkster like that, Sting heads to the opposite corner, charges back in, and hits another Stinger Splash! Too weak from the pain, Hogan collapses to the canvas, so Sting makes a cover. One! Two! Thre- Shoulder Up! The crowd cheers, but Bobby Heenan skeptically questions how much fight Hogan can have left in him. Hogan shoves Sting back as he pulls him up to his feet, and manages to fire off some right hands. Trying to capitalize, Hogan goes for a scoop slam – but he can’t lift Sting! Hulk’s back gives way, allowing Sting to hit an inverted atomic drop and clothesline. Again turning Hulk over so his back is exposed, Sting runs off the ropes and hits a first drop to his spinal cord. The Stinger floats Hogan over into a pin. One! Two! Thr- Shoulder Up!

Despite the evident pain hampering Hogan’s ability to have an even fight into this match, he refuses to keel over and ide. This is no matter to the Crow, the man with no emotions or remorse, as he adds to the pain with a vertical suplex. Again rolling him over, Sting then climbs to the top turnbuckle and flies – Diving Splash – right onto Hogan’s back! Another pin follows – One! Two! Three- Shoulder Up! While the crowd cheers Hogan’s resiliency, Schiavone is actually hoping for a Hulk loss. “This is not a wrestling match, ladies and gentlemen! This is a train wreck, a ritualistic slaughter! Hulk, you are in no condition to be in that ring right now – please throw in the towel and let yourself heal!” Hogan refuses to do so, and Sting isn’t going to allow it to happen either. After a backbreaker, however, Sting is ready for the final blow – “oh no, not this; not the Scorpion Death Lock!” – Tony Schiavone. Sting grabs The Hulkster’s legs, and puts him in the finishing submission maneuver. Arching himself backwards to make the torque on Hogan’s back as worse as humanly possible, Sting wrenches in on the Death Lock. The crowd is doing its best to rally behind their hero, but Hulk Hogan looks the part of a broken and beaten man. The pain is just too much for him, and he limp collapses as Sting keeps applying the pressure. Feeling he’s finished too, Nick Patrick squats down and asks Hogan if he wants to quit – “NO!” The will to fight comes thundering back to Hulk Hogan as he shakes his head and arms, powering himself back up. And he’s crawling! Hulk Hogan starts crawling to the ropes, ignoring the pain and carrying his and Sting’s weight across the ring – ROPE BREAK! Hogan forces Sting to release the Scorpion Death Lock!

There’s a big poop from the crowd as Sting releases Hogan’s legs, the icon falling limp to the canvas. It’s a slow struggle for The Hulkster to pull himself up to his feet, and made worse because Sting punches him along the way. Hogan finally gets up to his feet, takes a hard right from Sting, and - “YOU!” There it is! The Finger Point! Hulk takes another hard right, but just shakes his arms and head from side-to-side! Two more punches from Sting, but Hulk blocks the third - RIGHT HAND! Hulk Hogan starts firing off right hands, knocking Sting across the ring and back into the ropes. The Hulkster tries to lift the Champion up again for the scoop slam, but again his back gives way! Sting sledges Hogan in the back, and puts him in an inverted front face lock. SCORPION DEATH DROP! No! Hogan escapes! Sting runs off the ropes - and into a BIG BOOT! Down goes the Stinger! Writhing in pain, Hogan bounces off the ropes - LEG DROP - misses again! Hulk Hogan’s tailbone crashes off the canvas! The pain is everywhere on Hogan’s face, his back in excruciating pain.

Both men slowly get to their feet after Hogan’s missed finisher, and again Sting is up to his feet first. He pulls The Hulkster up to his feet the rest of the way... SCORPION DEATH DROP! Sting slams Hogan down on his neck and back! The crowd can’t believe it, and Sting covers - One! Two! Sting pulls off! What!? The Stinger had the match won, but keeps Hogan alive in the match... only to apply the SCORPION DEATH LOCK! The Crow puts his weakened opponent back in the lethal submission hold, trying to cripple him until he submits to Sting’s wrath. The famous Hulk Hogan is motionless, face down for several seconds. Finally, after what seems like ages, Hogan raises his hand... AND TAPS! Sting has brutally maimed Hulk Hogan... to the point that he had had to quit! Tony Schiavone yells this has to be the first time Hulk Hogan has ever tapped out on his own volition in his lengthy, historic career. Sting keeps the Death Lock on for a few more seconds before finally releasing the submission, letting Hogan’s body lay prone on the canvas.

Lex Luger of course gets into the ring to celebrate, but the Stinger does not. The World Heavyweight Champion collects his Title, and flatly stares at the fallen Hulk Hogan, the noise of the fans booing echoing throughout the MGM. “Is this the end of Hulkamania?” Bobby Heenan grimly asks as the camera tries to get a view of Hogan’s face. It’s impossible to see, as Hogan stays face down. Sting continues to simply stand over the defeated man, and as the Pay Per View fades to black, we end with the words of Tony Schiavone: “Hulk Hogan tried to take on this new, mysterious Sting... and just look at the grave, end result. If Hulk Hogan couldn’t match up to Sting... my God, then who can?” [85%]

First off glad you're back. Especially with a WCW thread. Instead of line by line, commenting on every single moment like most I like to just give my over all feel of the show.

First off I love the way your write with your tongue firmly planted inside your cheek. You cop out to WCW sucking at times but us WCWmaniacs know even when sucking it was beautiful.

Glad Buff got the win and the TV Championship. Its a good spot for him in late 99. I think a solid run with the TV belt would do his career good as Buff always had the look to be a break out star. I believe long time WCW fans would have gotten behind a TV title run from Buff Daddy. His character always was a fun one to write too cause he could be cocky yet endearing.

Like the Duggan/Van Hammer team up. It makes sense in the Berlyn feud. never high on Berlyn as a gimmick but I think you could do big things with it.

Hope we eventual move toward Booker T spliting from Harlem Heat and into full baby face singles run. I remember watching in late 1999 just feeling like Booker T should be the break out guy but then again call me a mark.

Love heel Page, love the promo. Setting up Kanyon/Page desension seems like you're moving toward a break up and possible feud between the two. However I should know better and you prove me wrong with the actual match. With Norton it looks like the Triad is back better than ever. Glad you didn't just cut Norton out of WCW. Always one of my favs. If I continue my WCW thread I am looking for ways to bring him back haha.

Lenny Lane, despire dumb gimmicks was great in the ring. Never super high on Karagias. Love how you poke fun at the Standards and Practices through this. Guess you're going to continue to push the envelope here.

Eddie jobs to Sid. Yet you do it in a way that makes Eddie look like he deserves to be eleveated. It works. Sid continues his dominate march forward. Curious where you plan on taking Sid, but he looks like the beast here.

WW3? Wow...really? Thats going to be a pain in the butt to write. Good Luck.

The Revolution/Flair fued pulling Hart into it just works. I'm glad you aren't breaking up the Revolution like they did in Real Life. The group was a great collection. I love the play on the Horsemen in this feud along with Benoit's ties to Hart. Hope this continues at least until starrcade.

Hogan looking like the hero he is here. Love what you're doing with Sting. And he is brutal here. It makes sense. Guess this is a way to write Hogan off TV for a while. Love the stoic Sting refusing to celebrate with Luger. I don't know where you are taking him. Much like the rest of it and thats what will keep me reading.